RP-658 -- Algorithm for Design Analysis of Atrium Smoke Management Systems PDF

The principal purpose of this project is to develop a computer-based algorithm which can be used as a design aid for smoke management systems in atria. The developed algorithm, FMD, predicts the development of hazardous conditions in a tall space due to various fire conditions, either with or without an operating smoke management system.

FMD is able to address the hybrid fires, transient conditions as well as the interaction between two types of smoke management systems. In addition to characterizing hazardous conditions in terms of smoke layer position and temperature as provided for in NFPA 92B, the algorithm can evaluate species concentration and light obscuration of a smoke layer.

One important aspect of this report is the second chapter which describes the fundamentals of smoke management system design. This chapter provides two important contributions.

This chapter provides two important contributions. First, the numerous algebraic equations provided throughout the chapter can be used as a design aid. Second, these equations are provided to permit designers to conduct analyses of one aspect of smoke management system or subsystem performance as a check to the computer-based calculations.