Fire protection: Simulation of Channel Deformation

 

Basic research concerning channel deformation in a wall during heating processes from 20 °C to 1000 °C

Project duration:

01/2013 to 12/2013

Project funding:

Heinz Trox-Stiftung, Neukirchen-Vluyn

Description:

Buildings service systems are connected via conduits/lines and channels that transport media such as air, fluids, water, or refrigerants, in various states of aggregation – in liquid or gaseous state and at various pressures and temperatures – between system components and building parts. In order to effectively prevent flames or smoke gases from spreading to other parts of a burning building in the event of fire (and to meet fire safety requirements), these conduits/lines/channels must be provided with fire-protection devices.

The aim of the project, which was funded by the “Heinz Trox-Stiftung”, was a scientific study on the deformations of ventilation ducts resulting from heating processes of 20 °C to 1000 °C – focusing especially on the influence of the walls. The task was solved by numerical simulations, leading to a physical (mechanical and thermos-dynamical, more precisely) description of the process. In this context, the method of the finite element method was used as a development tool, using the FEM-system ANSYS.