ING4004 Advanced Fire Dynamics

Contents and structure

To give students a thorough understanding of fire dynamics and interactions with communities of fire. The course includes in-depth understanding of flame structure, heat, burn rate, diffusion and turbulence. Further focus on understanding different ignition mechanisms including transient scenarios. Fire related issues within buildings and industry (fire in wood, building materials, liquid fire, jet and gas fires) are central topics. Furthermore, the course focus on harmful effects of fires on both people and structures.

Learning Outcome

Knowledge

The candidate:

• describe and analyze ignition of gas, liquid fires and fires in solids, including with and without pilot flame and Minimum Ignition Energy (MIG)
• can discuss and evaluate different ignition mechanisms including transient scenarios
• can discuss and assess premixed flames and diffusion with respect to structure, heat, burning rate, diffusion and turbulence
• can discuss and calculate plume theories, and the effect of setting such. ceilings, walls, air supply and wind
• describe and analyze spontaneous ignition in solids including smoldering fire
• can discuss and evaluate mechanisms and risk of fire spreading in discontinuous fuels 
• can discuss and assess toxicological effect of various fire scenarios
• have a thorough knowledge of research and development in the field
• can discuss and explain national and international testing standards for materials in buildings and industry
• can apply and update their knowledge in the field through changes-

Skills

The candidate:

• calculate explosive limits at different temperature, pressure and composition
• calculate and analyze the combustion velocity at different temperatures
• calculate smoke output and efficacy of environments such as. ceilings, walls, air supply and wind
• calculate and analyze mass loss rate of gas, liquid fires and fires in solids
• calculate and analyze energy production on the basis of the fuel, including design fires
• assess the risk of fire spreading
• calculate and analyze the production of smoke, including composition, quantity and concentration
• Plan, execute, analyze and discuss experiments, numerical or experimentally, using theoretical models

General competence

The candidate:

• analyze relevant fire safety and research issues
• can apply fire safety knowledge and skills in new areas and in advanced project
• can communicate their results and master relevant terminology
• can identify situations that provide very high fire risk and suggest relevant cost-effective risk mitigation
• can identify measures to reduce the probability of escalation
• can communicate about fire safety issues and fire risk to users, owners, relevant authorities, specialists in the field and the general public

Entry requirements

None.

Teaching methods

The course will be based on collections of lectures, exercises, problem-based learning and laboratory exercises and demonstrations. Group Works, self guidance is also used.

Compulsory learning activities

• Tests: 4 tests must be passed (with at least 50 % score).  The tests must be taken in Haugesund, at times scheduled by the lecturer.
• Lab-report: Must be approved by lecturer.
• Presentation of scientific article:  Choice of article must be approved by lecturer; the article has to be presented orally in class in Haugesund at a time scheduled by lecturer; report on article and discussion in class must be approved by lecturer.
• Short written self-presentation from the student: motivation for the master study and professional bakground.
• All course requirements must be presented and written in English.
• All course requirements have to be approved to be allowed for the final exam.
• Approved course requirements (compulsary activities) are valid 2 semesters.  Later, all course requirements have to be carried out and approved anew. 

Assessment

Home exam, 7 days.

The exam must be written in English.

All sub-parts or questions must be answered, or the exam will be assess as F (Failed)

Grade:  A - E / passed;  F / failed.

Examination support material

All aids can be used

More about examination support material