Large eddy simulation of fire-induced flows using Lattice-Boltzmann methods

Large-eddy simulations (LES) of the near-field region of large-scale fire plumes are performed for the first time with a pressure-based Lattice Boltzmann method (LBM) with low-Mach number approximation. Two scenarios are considered: the large-scale non-reactive helium plume and the 1 m methane pool fire, both investigated experimentally at Sandia. In the second scenario, a simplified modeling of the combustion and radiation processes is introduced involving a one-step irreversible reaction eddy-dissipation concept-based combustion model and a radiant fraction model, respectively. In both scenarios, a quantitative agreement is observed with the experimental data and model predictions are consistent with previously-published numerical studies. Our simulations demonstrate the computational efficiency of the proposed LBM solver to tackle fire-induced flows, suggesting that LBMs are a good alternative candidate for the modeling of fire-related problems.

Automated summary

For the first time, large-eddy simulations (LES) of the near-field region of large-scale fire plumes were performed using a pressure-based Lattice Boltzmann method (LBM) with low-Mach number approximation. The simulations showed quantitative agreement with experimental data and were consistent with previously-published numerical studies. The study demonstrated the computational efficiency of the proposed LBM solver in tackling fire-induced flows, suggesting LBMs as a good alternative candidate for modeling fire-related problems.