Browsing by Author "Van Biljoen, Morne Mark"
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- ItemNumerical modelling and parametric study of a standard fire resistance furnace.(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2022-04) Van Biljoen, Morne Mark; Owen, Michael ; Walls, RS; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Engineering. Dept. of Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering.ENGLISH SUMMARY: A numerical model of a fire-resistance furnace was created with the purpose of investigating chosen furnace parameters. The model was validated using experimental data measured during the study. Parameters relating to furnace operating effectiveness were investigated and the pressure distribution of a vertical testing furnace and discrete ordinance heat flux results were novel contributions. The two investigated parameters were burner baffle angles and burner power distributions to obtain better fluid mixing and therefore a more homogeneous temperature distribution within the furnace. Furnace operating effectiveness was governed by homogeneity of furnace temperatures and how accurately the standard fire curve was followed and additionally the pressure gradient within the furnace complying to the EN 1363-1 standards. The parametric study revealed that the most effective furnace operation was achieved when the top burner power was reduced to 65% and the remaining power distributed to the bottom burner. The furnace temperature was within a 1.13%range of the standard curve after 40 minutes simulation time and the relative variance decreased by 12.5% compared with the original testing furnace. Improvement in terms of the pressure distribution specified in EN 1363-1 (8.5 Pa per metre of furnace height) was also achieved for the middle pressure reading. The 65% power distribution delivered the best solution; however, a larger burner is required to practically implement the solution. The 85% burner power distribution can be implemented without the need for a new burner and the sacrifice in furnace operating effectiveness is minimal considering the cost saving.