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Fire
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Wind Fire Interaction and Fire Whirl
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Wind Fire Interaction and Fire Whirl

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 November 2021) | Viewed by 36665

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Maryam Ghodrat

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
School of Engineering and Information Technology, University of New South Wales Canberra, Canberra, ACT 2610, Australia
Interests: CFD; thermodynamic analysis; waste to energy; thermofluids; environmental sustainability
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues, 

Fire whirls are a usually rare but plausibly disastrous form of fire. They are seen during forest and wildland fires, where fire “cyclones” are distinguished by massive whirling flames.

Fire whirls are often reported to occur in large-scale urban and forest fires and trigger substantial losses, injuries and death tolls due to winds that are like tornadoes and intense radiant heat.

The scope of this Special Issue is to explore the state of the knowledge regarding the fluid dynamics of fire whirls, including their formation condition, their structure, and the mechanisms that control their distinctive state. This Special Issue aims to highlight latest findings and assess the potential pathways for future investigations, including using the properties of fire whirls for efficient energy generation. 

The following specific topics will be the focus of this Special Issue:

  • The increase in the burning rates of fire whirls;
  • Empirical, semi-empirical and numerical-based correlation, outlining the formation and spread mechanism of fire whirls;
  • Numerical simulation of inclined fire whirls;
  • Flame heights and flame length in fire whirls with strong vorticity and their relation to ambient circulations for laminar and turbulent fire whirls over line and pool fire sources;
  • Studies investigating the temperature, velocity, and air entrainment of fire whirl plumes.

Dr. Maryam Ghodrat
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Fire is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • fire whirl
  • CFD
  • flame height
  • wind–fire interaction
  • rate of spread

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Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

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18 pages, 3964 KiB  
Article
Numerical Simulation of the Effect of Fire Intensity on Wind Driven Surface Fire and Its Impact on an Idealized Building
by Ali Edalati-nejad, Maryam Ghodrat, Sayyed Aboozar Fanaee and Albert Simeoni
Fire 2022, 5(1), 17; https://doi.org/10.3390/fire5010017 - 27 Jan 2022
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 5175
Abstract
This paper presents an investigation on the effect of fire intensity of a wind driven surface fire, similar to a large wildfire, on an idealized structure located downstream from the fire source. A numerical simulation was conducted using an open source CFD code [...] Read more.
This paper presents an investigation on the effect of fire intensity of a wind driven surface fire, similar to a large wildfire, on an idealized structure located downstream from the fire source. A numerical simulation was conducted using an open source CFD code called FireFOAM, which is a transient solver for fire simulation and turbulent diffusion flames, supported by a large eddy simulation (LES) solver for incompressible flow. The numerical data were verified using the aerodynamic experimental data of a full-scale building model with no fire effects. An idealized cubic obstacle representing a simplified building with the dimension of 6 × 6 × 6 m; is considered downstream from the fire source. Different fire intensity values of the fire line representing different grassland fuels were simulated to analyse the impact of wind-fire interaction on a built area. To solve the problem, a coupled velocity and pressure method was applied through a PIMPLE scheme in FireFoam solver of OpenFoam platform. There is a good agreement between simulated results and experimental measurements with a maximum error of 18%, which confirms the validity and accuracy of the model. The results showed that by increasing the fire intensity; the velocity of the crosswind stream increases, which causes low-density air and generates an extra stream behind the fire plume. It was also found that increasing fire intensity from 10 MW/m to 18 MW/m raises the integrated temperature on the ground near the building and on the surface of the building by 26%, and 69%, respectively. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Wind Fire Interaction and Fire Whirl)
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27 pages, 8314 KiB  
Article
Determining Firebrand Generation Rate Using Physics-Based Modelling from Experimental Studies through Inverse Analysis
by Amila Wickramasinghe, Nazmul Khan and Khalid Moinuddin
Fire 2022, 5(1), 6; https://doi.org/10.3390/fire5010006 - 8 Jan 2022
Cited by 11 | Viewed by 5426
Abstract
Firebrand spotting is a potential threat to people and infrastructure, which is difficult to predict and becomes more significant when the size of a fire and intensity increases. To conduct realistic physics-based modeling with firebrand transport, the firebrand generation data such as numbers, [...] Read more.
Firebrand spotting is a potential threat to people and infrastructure, which is difficult to predict and becomes more significant when the size of a fire and intensity increases. To conduct realistic physics-based modeling with firebrand transport, the firebrand generation data such as numbers, size, and shape of the firebrands are needed. Broadly, the firebrand generation depends on atmospheric conditions, wind velocity and vegetation species. However, there is no experimental study that has considered all these factors although they are available separately in some experimental studies. Moreover, the experimental studies have firebrand collection data, not generation data. In this study, we have conducted a series of physics-based simulations on a trial-and-error basis to reproduce the experimental collection data, which is called an inverse analysis. Once the generation data was determined from the simulation, we applied the interpolation technique to calibrate the effects of wind velocity, relative humidity, and vegetation species. First, we simulated Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) tree-burning and quantified firebrand generation against the tree burning experiment conducted at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). Then, we applied the same technique to a prescribed forest fire experiment conducted in the Pinelands National Reserve (PNR) of New Jersey, the USA. The simulations were conducted with the experimental data of fuel load, humidity, temperature, and wind velocity to ensure that the field conditions are replicated in the experiments. The firebrand generation rate was found to be 3.22 pcs/MW/s (pcs-number of firebrands pieces) from the single tree burning and 4.18 pcs/MW/s in the forest fire model. This finding was complemented with the effects of wind, vegetation type, and fuel moisture content to quantify the firebrand generation rate. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Wind Fire Interaction and Fire Whirl)
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23 pages, 10386 KiB  
Article
Numerical Investigation of the Effect of Sloped Terrain on Wind-Driven Surface Fire and Its Impact on Idealized Structures
by Ali Edalati-nejad, Maryam Ghodrat and Albert Simeoni
Fire 2021, 4(4), 94; https://doi.org/10.3390/fire4040094 - 12 Dec 2021
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 4356
Abstract
In this study, a time-dependent investigation has been conducted to numerically analyze the impact of wind-driven surface fire on an obstacle located on sloped terrain downstream of the fire source. Inclined field with different upslope terrain angles of 0, 10, 20, and 30° [...] Read more.
In this study, a time-dependent investigation has been conducted to numerically analyze the impact of wind-driven surface fire on an obstacle located on sloped terrain downstream of the fire source. Inclined field with different upslope terrain angles of 0, 10, 20, and 30° at various wind-velocities have been simulated by FireFoam, which is a large eddy simulation (LES) solver of the OpenFOAM platform. The numerical data have been validated using the aerodynamic measurements of a full-scale building model in the absence of fire effects. The results underlined the physical phenomena contributing to the impact of varying wind flow and terrain slope near the fire bed on a built area. The findings indicated that under a constant heat release rate and upstream wind velocity, increasing the upslope terrain angle leads to an increase in the higher temperature areas on the ground near the building. It is also found that raising the inclined terrain slope angle from 0 to 30°, results in an increase in the integrated temperature on the surface of the building. Furthermore, by raising the terrain slope from 0 to 30°, the integrated temperature on the ground for the mentioned cases increases by 16%, 10%, and 13%, respectively. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Wind Fire Interaction and Fire Whirl)
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13 pages, 9965 KiB  
Article
Adding to Fire Fighter Safety by Including Real-Time Radar Data in Short-Range Forecasts of Thunderstorm-Induced Wind Shifts
by Gary L. Achtemeier and Scott L. Goodrick
Fire 2021, 4(3), 55; https://doi.org/10.3390/fire4030055 - 1 Sep 2021
Viewed by 2512
Abstract
Abrupt changes in wind direction and speed caused by thunderstorm-generated gust fronts can, within a few seconds, transform slow-spreading low-intensity flanking fires into high-intensity head fires. Flame heights and spread rates can more than double. Fire mitigation strategies are challenged and the safety [...] Read more.
Abrupt changes in wind direction and speed caused by thunderstorm-generated gust fronts can, within a few seconds, transform slow-spreading low-intensity flanking fires into high-intensity head fires. Flame heights and spread rates can more than double. Fire mitigation strategies are challenged and the safety of fire crews is put at risk. We propose a class of numerical weather prediction models that incorporate real-time radar data and which can provide fire response units with images of accurate very short-range forecasts of gust front locations and intensities. Real-time weather radar data are coupled with a wind model that simulates density currents over complex terrain. Then two convective systems from formation and merger to gust front arrival at the location of a wildfire at Yarnell, Arizona, in 2013 are simulated. We present images of maps showing the progress of the gust fronts toward the fire. Such images can be transmitted to fire crews to assist decision-making. We conclude, therefore, that very short-range gust front prediction models that incorporate real-time radar data show promise as a means of predicting the critical weather information on gust front propagation for fire operations, and that such tools warrant further study. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Wind Fire Interaction and Fire Whirl)
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10 pages, 13031 KiB  
Article
Wind in a Natural and Artificial Wildland Fire Fuel Bed
by Yana Bebieva, Kevin Speer, Liam White, Robert Smith, Gabrielle Mayans and Bryan Quaife
Fire 2021, 4(2), 30; https://doi.org/10.3390/fire4020030 - 9 Jun 2021
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 4096
Abstract
Fuel beds represent the layer of fuel that typically supports continuous combustion and wildland fire spread. We examine how wind propagates through and above loose and packed pine needle beds and artificial 3D-printed fuel beds in a wind tunnel. Vertical profiles of horizontal [...] Read more.
Fuel beds represent the layer of fuel that typically supports continuous combustion and wildland fire spread. We examine how wind propagates through and above loose and packed pine needle beds and artificial 3D-printed fuel beds in a wind tunnel. Vertical profiles of horizontal velocities are measured for three artificial fuel beds with prescribed porosities and two types of fuel beds made with long-leaf pine needles. The dependence of the mean velocity within the fuel bed with respect to the ambient velocity is linked to the porosity. Experimental results show significant structure to the vertical profile of mean flow within the bed, and suggest that small-scale sweeps and ejections play a role in this system redistributing momentum similar to larger-scale canopy flows. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Wind Fire Interaction and Fire Whirl)
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Review

Jump to: Research

22 pages, 7409 KiB  
Review
Experimental and Numerical Analysis of Formation and Flame Precession of Fire Whirls: A Review
by Maryam Ghodrat, Farshad Shakeriaski, David James Nelson and Albert Simeoni
Fire 2021, 4(3), 43; https://doi.org/10.3390/fire4030043 - 6 Aug 2021
Cited by 15 | Viewed by 5215
Abstract
Fire whirls are a particular case of flame behaviour characterized by a rotating column of fire driven by intense convective heating of air close to the ground. They typically result in a substantial increase in burning rate, temperature, and flame height. Fire whirls [...] Read more.
Fire whirls are a particular case of flame behaviour characterized by a rotating column of fire driven by intense convective heating of air close to the ground. They typically result in a substantial increase in burning rate, temperature, and flame height. Fire whirls can occur in any intense flame environment, including urban areas, particularly within combustible structures, and in wildland or forest fires. Recently, investigations on the creation of fire whirls have attracted much attention. However, most analyses are focused on fire whirl structure, formation, and controlling their unique state. In effect, revisiting the available experimental techniques and numerical simulations used in analyzing fire whirls has received less attention. In this paper, experimental arrangements including empirical set ups and employed fuels are presented in detail. Subsequently, major research progress focused on experimental studies and their laboratory setup is fully discussed, followed by the available numerical simulations, including combustion and turbulence models. Applied methodologies and chosen software in the recent numerical studies are also reviewed exclusively. Finally, the latest findings are featured, and prospective pathways are advised. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Wind Fire Interaction and Fire Whirl)
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17 pages, 3889 KiB  
Review
Existing Improvements in Simulation of Fire–Wind Interaction and Its Effects on Structures
by Maryam Ghodrat, Farshad Shakeriaski, David James Nelson and Albert Simeoni
Fire 2021, 4(2), 27; https://doi.org/10.3390/fire4020027 - 10 May 2021
Cited by 31 | Viewed by 8302
Abstract
This work provides a detailed overview of existing investigations into the fire–wind interaction phenomena. Specifically, it considers: the fanning effect of wind, wind direction and slope angle, and the impact of wind on fire modelling, and the relevant analysis (numerical and experimental) techniques [...] Read more.
This work provides a detailed overview of existing investigations into the fire–wind interaction phenomena. Specifically, it considers: the fanning effect of wind, wind direction and slope angle, and the impact of wind on fire modelling, and the relevant analysis (numerical and experimental) techniques are evaluated. Recently, the impact of fire on buildings has been widely analysed. Most studies paid attention to fire damage evaluation of structures as well as structure fire safety engineering, while the disturbance interactions that influence structures have been neglected in prior studies and must be analysed in greater detail. In this review article, evidence regarding the fire–wind interaction is discussed. The effect of a fire transitioning from a wildfire to a wildland–urban interface (WUI) is also investigated, with a focus on the impact of the resulting fire–wind phenomenon on high- and low-rise buildings. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Wind Fire Interaction and Fire Whirl)
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