Fire Dynamics Simulation (FDS)

In large spaces, the standard equations cannot answer the question that matters: where does the smoke go, and how long does the escape route stay usable? We use FDS, developed by the US National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), to calculate how air, smoke and heat move through the building over time, and then read the results at the points that actually govern safety.

What the service covers:

• Setting the design fire and its growth curve, the scenarios and the acceptance criteria, agreed early.
• Building the model of the space: heights, openings, obstructions, ventilation and extract systems.
• Measuring visibility, temperature, radiant heat, smoke layer height and detector activation times.
• Running a grid sensitivity study, and documenting the software version, the input files and the basis of validation.
• A report that ties the results to design decisions: extract rates, opening and fan positions, and the control sequence.

Where it is used: atriums, malls and multi-storey open spaces; enclosed car parks and jet fan systems; warehouses and large halls; and wherever the performance of a smoke control system has to be proven before it is built or modified.

The study is completed by comparing its results with egress modeling to demonstrate life safety. Read more about when fire and smoke modeling is needed.