Defining the governing parameters for reliable numerical simulation of smoke evacuation in underground parking garages

This paper discusses several issues concerning the CFD analysis or car parks during fire situations. A common modeling approach and given parameters are needed to obtain reliable results for the indication of the performance of the smoke evacuation systems. There are many modeling parameters which influence the results. CFD is a powerful tool that can be used for smoke evacuation simulation when properly used. There is a clear need for a simulation guideline that describes the following points:
- Demanded mesh sizes
- Detailed fire curve
- The fire material composition and particulate soot yield.
- Description of visibility calculation method.
- Turbulence model
- Fluid properties
- The time steps to be analyzed.
- Parameters to be analyzed (including scale).
- Clear description of demanded performance.
For the different steps in the modeling process parameters of importance are discussed. An
advisable use of parameters is given either based on practical experience or on literature.