Characterizing positive pressure ventilation using computational fluid dynamics

Data from two different sets of full-scale experiments are compared with simulations completed with the computational fluid dynamic model, the Fire Dynamic Simulator (FDS). The full-scale experiments characterize a Positive Pressure Ventilation (PPV) fan in an open atmosphere and in a simple room geometry. The measurements of both experiments compare favorably with the Fire Dynamic Simulator results. With the correct geometry, vent placement, and boundary location FDS predicted velocities that were within 10 percent for the open atmosphere and 20 percent for the simple room geometry. FDS’s visualization of the positive pressure ventilation fan’s flow pattern, and the flow out of the window also correlated well with those measured experimentally. Disclaimer Certain trade names and company products are mentioned in the text or identified in an illustration in order to specify adequately the experimental procedure and equipment used. In no case does such identification imply recommendation or endorsement by the National Institute of Standards and Technology, nor does it imply that the products are necessarily the best available for the purpose.