Advanced Experimental Techniques and Numerical Simulations for Investigating Thermal Runaway in Lithium-Ion Batteries

A special issue of Fire (ISSN 2571-6255).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 July 2026 | Viewed by 1571

Special Issue Editors

Science Division, Health and Safety Executive, HSE Science and Research Centre, Buxton SK17 9JN, UK
Interests: lithium-ion battery; battery fire; battery explosion; vapour cloud explosion; vented explosion; fire

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Guest Editor
School of Engineering, Newcastle University, Newcastle Upon Tyne NE1 7RU, UK
Interests: lithium-ion battery; battery management systems; battery vapour cloud explosion; thermal runaway; battery recycling; BESS safety

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Guest Editor
Center for Offshore Engineering and Safety Technology, China University of Petroleum (East China), Qingdao 266580, China
Interests: lithium-ion battery; thermal runaway; numerical simulation; venting and fire

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Lithium-ion batteries have become evermore prevalent in our daily lives. With this prevalence comes increasing concern around the associated fire risk from thermal runaway of batteries. This challenging problem has driven an enormous amount of research into the phenomenon of thermal runaway and the associated fire risks. Much of this research has led to the development of new, novel and advanced experimental and numerical techniques or the use of existing techniques in a new field of research.

The aim of the Special Issue is to highlight important multi-disciplinary research that has utilized these advanced experimental and numerical techniques. To introduce and describe datasets, models, equipment, and analytical methods used in fire science, related to the issue of thermal runaway in lithium-ion batteries.

We welcome contributions that explore themes such as the following:

Advanced multi-scale mechanisms of thermal runaway initiation and propagation;

Advanced modelling of thermal runaway and the application of data for the prediction of thermal runaway onset or probability;

Fire mitigation technique investigation utilizing new or advanced experimental techniques.

Dr. Jason Gill
Dr. Simon Lambert
Dr. Gongquan Wang
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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Keywords

  • lithium-ion battery
  • battery fire
  • thermal runaway
  • numerical simulation
  • battery energy storage system safety
  • battery fire prevention
  • thermal runaway prevention
  • battery fire mitigation

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Published Papers (1 paper)

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Research

16 pages, 3549 KB  
Communication
Fire Safety Analysis of Alternative Vehicles in Confined Spaces: A Study of Underground Parking Facilities
by Edoardo Leone and Davide Papurello
Fire 2026, 9(1), 20; https://doi.org/10.3390/fire9010020 - 29 Dec 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1306
Abstract
This study investigates the fire behaviour of Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) and Internal Combustion Engine Vehicles (ICEVs) in confined environments such as underground parking facilities and tunnels. Using the Fire Dynamics Simulator (FDS), several scenarios were modelled to analyse the effects of ventilation [...] Read more.
This study investigates the fire behaviour of Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) and Internal Combustion Engine Vehicles (ICEVs) in confined environments such as underground parking facilities and tunnels. Using the Fire Dynamics Simulator (FDS), several scenarios were modelled to analyse the effects of ventilation and automatic suppression systems on fire growth, heat release, and smoke propagation. Three ventilation configurations—reduced, standard, and increased airflow—were evaluated to determine their influence on combustion dynamics and thermal development. Results show that BEV fires produce higher peak Heat Release Rates (up to 7 MW) and longer combustion durations than ICEVs, mainly due to self-sustained battery reactions. Increased ventilation enhances smoke removal but intensifies flames and radiant heat transfer, while limited airflow restricts combustion yet leads to hazardous smoke accumulation. The inclusion of a sprinkler system effectively reduced temperatures by over 60% within 100 s of activation, though residual heat in BEVs poses a risk of re-ignition. This underlines the need for tailored ventilation and suppression strategies in modern underground facilities to ensure safety in the transition toward electric mobility. Full article
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