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John A. Kennedy and Associates
is one of the few firms to consistently use computer fire models and have
that work accepted with expert testimony. It is a very specialized and
complex analysis method which can not be done by someone without the proper
education and training.
Computer fire modeling is a way to mathematically predict
conditions in the rooms of a building. It is based on actual full scale fire
tests, has been extensively validated, and has been accepted in courts as a tool
of the fire expert.
Zone Models
Simplifies the room into two different layers (an upper
and lower) that can mathematically predict conditions such as temperature, smoke
layer development, smoke concentration, toxic gas (CO, CO2)
concentration, smoke and fire spread. (FAST, CFAST, BRANZfire)
Computational Fluid
Dynamics (CFD) or Field Models These
state-of-the-art modeling programs separate the compartment into thousands of
tiny cells. Each cell is then mathematically calculated to produce the most
accurate prediction of the fire conditions. Temperature, velocity, and gas
concentrations are calculated as 3-D fields. These calculated predictions are
then converted into computer animations representing the fire conditions.
We have successfully used it to show and reconstruct how specific fires grew
and spread in buildings, predict time to flashover, predict time to smoke detector
activation, predict escape times, predict survivability and other important parameters.
(FDS/Smokeview)
[Sample Smokeview Animation]
The experts of
John A. Kennedy and Associates have successfully used both types of
models to show and reconstruct how specific fires grew and spread in
buildings, predict time to flashover, predict time to smoke detector
activation, predict escape times, predict survivability and other important
parameters.
John A. Kennedy
and Associates continuously upgrades its fire
research facilities and maintains an up-to-date inventory of fire dynamics
software and hardware. This allows our investigators to produce detailed
mathematical computer models of fire behavior to be used in conjunction with
and to supplement our findings, conclusions and opinions.
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