Fire Science Show

• 196 - Fire spread through external walls pt. 1 with FSRI

  In this podcast episode, we host Rebekah Schrader, Joseph Willi, Daniel Gorham and Gavin Horn, all from the FSRI, to cover their recent experimental research on fire spread through external walls. This is part 1 of the interview - the background, rationale and context. In part 2, we cover the experiments themselves, findings and actionable guidance from the experiments.This research is conducted within the context of structure-to-structure fire spread, potentially in urban conflagration scenarios. The subject is most relevant, as when wildfires meet urban areas, they transform into something far more destructive – "wildfire-initiated urban conflagrations." These events devastate entire communities as fire spreads rapidly from structure to structure, overwhelming firefighting resources and leaving widespread destruction in their wake.The Fire Safety Research Institute has embarked on a comprehensive research initiative examining exactly how these conflagrations develop and spread. What started as a response to their advisory board's call to action in 2018 has evolved into a groundbreaking exploration of the complex interactions between wildland fires and the built environment.We break down the three primary mechanisms of fire spread – radiant heat, direct flame contact, and firebrands – while highlighting specific vulnerabilities in modern construction, particularly windows and cladding systems.What makes this research particularly valuable is how it bridges traditionally separate disciplines: wildfire science and structural fire engineering. The team explains how they've translated complex wildfire scenarios into controlled laboratory experiments that yield actionable data for improving building codes and community design.Whether you're a fire safety professional, community planner, or homeowner in a wildfire-prone region, this conversation offers crucial insights into how we can create more resilient communities in the face of this growing threat.In the next episode, we will cover in depth the details of three experiments mentioned today.Find the research papers at:https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/fam.3278https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10694-024-01685-8https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10694-024-01656-zAnd additional resources at:https://fsri.org/research-update/journal-article-reports-heat-transfer-through-different-window-constructionshttps://fsri.org/research-update/journal-article-investigates-role-residential-siding-materials-spread-exterior----The Fire Science Show is produced by the Fire Science Media in collaboration with OFR Consultants. Thank you to the podcast sponsor for their continuous support towards our mission.

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• 195 - Fire Safety Cases with Chris Mayfield and Martyn Ramsden

  The UK's Building Safety Act requires high-risk buildings to maintain comprehensive fire safety cases - living documents that identify hazards, mitigate risks, and establish clear accountability for building safety. This is the subject of my discussion with Chris Mayfield and Martyn Ramsden from OFR.• Safety cases differ from fire strategies by being owned by the building's accountable person rather than consultants• The Principal Accountable Person must take responsibility for preventing fire spread and structural failure• Safety cases must document hazards, protective measures, and management systems• The approach draws from lessons in high-hazard industries following disasters like Piper Alpha• Safety cases should follow a logical structure: building description, safety management, hazard identification, safety measures, emergency procedures, and conclusions• Bow tie diagrams help visualise threats, consequences, and barriers in a way all stakeholders can understand• For new buildings, safety cases integrate with the "gateway" approval system• Existing high-risk buildings (over 18m/7 stories with 2+ dwellings) must have safety cases ready for inspection• When properly implemented, safety cases create cultural change by helping everyone understand their role in safety----The Fire Science Show is produced by the Fire Science Media in collaboration with OFR Consultants. Thank you to the podcast sponsor for their continuous support towards our mission.

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• 194 - Playing with batteries with Xinyan Huang

  Professor Xinyan Huang from Hong Kong Polytechnic University shares his expertise on battery fires and the various experimental methods researchers use to trigger thermal runaway events under controlled conditions.• Terminology matters - "thermal runaway" more accurately describes battery failure than "ignition" as the critical reactions occur inside the cell• Nail penetration testing is widely used but contains surprising complexities, including nail material, penetration depth, velocity and battery orientation • Mechanical abuse tests (crushing, dropping, squeezing) simulate real-world accidents but often lack repeatability• Thermal abuse via heating typically targets 200°C surface temperature using methods including flame exposure, electrical coils, and laser heating• Electrical abuse through overcharging (150-200% SOC) significantly increases risk, while poor-quality charging equipment creates additional hazards• State of charge plays a crucial role in how batteries respond to abuse tests• New research aims to bridge the gap between micro-scale material testing and cell-level testingProfessor Huang is organising the 4th International Symposium on Lithium Battery Fire Safety (ISLBFS 2025) in Hong Kong from October 30th to November 2nd - the largest battery fire safety conference in the world.I intended to link Xinyan's papers on batteries, but there is 19 of them!?! Let me link the most recent ones:Dynamic thermal runaway evolution of Li-ion battery during nail penetrationModeling liquid immersion-cooling battery thermal management system and optimization via machine learningLaser-induced thermal runaway dynamics of cylindrical lithium-ion batteryEffect of thermal impact on the onset and propagation of thermal runaway over cylindrical Li-ion batteriesA Review of Battery Fires in Electric VehiclesAlleviation on battery thermal runaway propagation: Effects of oxygen level and dilution gasCover image source: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.est.2024.111337----The Fire Science Show is produced by the Fire Science Media in collaboration with OFR Consultants. Thank you to the podcast sponsor for their continuous support towards our mission.

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• 193 - Fire Fundamentals pt. 15 - Extinguishing systems with Bogdan Racięga

  Welcome to another Fire Fundamentals. This time the episode is focused on various extinguishing technologies. Invited guest - Bogdan Racięga, Director at Baltic Fire Laboratory and expert in fire protection systems breaks down the fundamental differences between suppression and extinction technologies and how they work in real-world applications.Clear distinction between suppression systems (control fires while meeting temperature criteria) and extinction systems (must completely extinguish fires)Types of fire protection systems including water-based (sprinkler, water mist), foam, aerosol, and gas systems (no fire-balls :))Technical parameters affecting performance: K-value, nominal working pressure, RTI, discharge areasAreas of application, eg. why water mist systems can often be preferred for high-rise buildings due to smaller piping and reduced weightHow temperature ratings and RTI affect sprinkler activation timing and performanceChallenges with concealed sprinklers including maintenance issues and delayed activationTesting procedures for water distribution patterns and certification processesDifferences between high-pressure and low-pressure systems in various applicationsnuances related to the role of an accredited laboratory (ISO 17025) and a certification body (ISO 17065)----The Fire Science Show is produced by the Fire Science Media in collaboration with OFR Consultants. Thank you to the podcast sponsor for their continuous support towards our mission.

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• 192 - Fire Fundamentals pt. 14 - Jet fan systems for car parks

  Jet-fan systems effectively control smoke in car parks by creating directed airflows that transport smoke from one point to another, similar to how longitudinal ventilation works in tunnels. These systems offer cost-effectiveness and simplicity by eliminating ductwork while providing powerful smoke management capabilities when properly designed and understood.• Jet Fans create momentum transfer through air entrainment rather than directly moving smoke• Two distinct operational modes exist: smoke clearance (reducing thermal stress) and smoke control (maintaining clear firefighter access)• Systems require careful balancing of extraction capacity with Jet Fan thrust force• Optimal design typically requires CFD modeling followed by hot smoke testing for verification• Jet Fan activation timing presents challenges for evacuation - usually delayed until occupants exit• Systems excel in tunnel-like geometries but struggle with complex layouts (the "Tetris rule")• Particularly effective against heavier-than-air gases like LPG or EV battery fire emissions• European standards now available through EN 12101 family for design guidanceIf you need design assistance with Jet Fan systems for your projects, email me directly at [email protected]. Further reading:- Jet-Fan Systems in Car Parks Design Methods: an Overview and Assessment of Performance- Our in-depth multiparametric study on car park ventilation- A. Król and M. Król, Study on numerical modeling of jet fans- Thunderhead's guide to modelling jet-fans in FDS----The Fire Science Show is produced by the Fire Science Media in collaboration with OFR Consultants. Thank you to the podcast sponsor for their continuous support towards our mission.

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