197 - Fire spread through external walls pt. 2 with FSRI
When wildfire threatens neighbourhoods with closely-spaced homes, what determines whether flames leap from one structure to the next? The FSRI research team - Rebekah Schrader, Joseph Willi, Daniel Gorham and Gavin Horn - joins us to unveil their experimental series that methodically dissects the pathways through which fire spreads between buildings.The team walks us through their massive outdoor experimental setup, where they created controlled compartment fires and measured their impact on adjacent walls and windows at various separation distances. They discovered that even non-combustible exterior cladding like fiber cement board won't necessarily protect a home when the underlying sheathing is combustible—especially at close distances where heat fluxes reach a staggering 75-125 kW/m².Windows emerge as perhaps the most vulnerable component, with their research revealing dramatic differences in performance between glass types. Double-pane tempered glass significantly outperforms plain glass configurations, but the surprising finding was how much window frame materials matter. In one experiment, vinyl frames completely failed while the glass was still intact, causing entire window assemblies to drop from the wall.Another aspect of their research are the measurements of the heat transfer through intact windows. Using specialized measurements, they found that significant radiant heat penetrates even unbroken windows, potentially igniting curtains or furniture inside before the window itself fails. Low-emissivity coatings proved remarkably effective at reducing this heat transfer.This research offers crucial insights for homeowners, fire safety engineers, and policymakers working to create more resilient communities. The findings extend beyond wildland fire applications, providing valuable data for urban fire safety engineering across multiple contexts.Find the research papers at:https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/fam.3278https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10694-024-01685-8https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10694-024-01656-zAnd additional resources at:https://fsri.org/research-update/journal-article-reports-heat-transfer-through-different-window-constructionshttps://fsri.org/research-update/journal-article-investigates-role-residential-siding-materials-spread-exterior----The Fire Science Show is produced by the Fire Science Media in collaboration with OFR Consultants. Thank you to the podcast sponsor for their continuous support towards our mission.
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196 - Fire spread through external walls pt. 1 with FSRI
In this podcast episode, we host Rebekah Schrader, Joseph Willi, Daniel Gorham and Gavin Horn, all from the FSRI, to cover their recent experimental research on fire spread through external walls. This is part 1 of the interview - the background, rationale and context. In part 2, we cover the experiments themselves, findings and actionable guidance from the experiments.This research is conducted within the context of structure-to-structure fire spread, potentially in urban conflagration scenarios. The subject is most relevant, as when wildfires meet urban areas, they transform into something far more destructive – "wildfire-initiated urban conflagrations." These events devastate entire communities as fire spreads rapidly from structure to structure, overwhelming firefighting resources and leaving widespread destruction in their wake.The Fire Safety Research Institute has embarked on a comprehensive research initiative examining exactly how these conflagrations develop and spread. What started as a response to their advisory board's call to action in 2018 has evolved into a groundbreaking exploration of the complex interactions between wildland fires and the built environment.We break down the three primary mechanisms of fire spread – radiant heat, direct flame contact, and firebrands – while highlighting specific vulnerabilities in modern construction, particularly windows and cladding systems.What makes this research particularly valuable is how it bridges traditionally separate disciplines: wildfire science and structural fire engineering. The team explains how they've translated complex wildfire scenarios into controlled laboratory experiments that yield actionable data for improving building codes and community design.Whether you're a fire safety professional, community planner, or homeowner in a wildfire-prone region, this conversation offers crucial insights into how we can create more resilient communities in the face of this growing threat.In the next episode, we will cover in depth the details of three experiments mentioned today.Find the research papers at:https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/fam.3278https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10694-024-01685-8https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10694-024-01656-zAnd additional resources at:https://fsri.org/research-update/journal-article-reports-heat-transfer-through-different-window-constructionshttps://fsri.org/research-update/journal-article-investigates-role-residential-siding-materials-spread-exterior----The Fire Science Show is produced by the Fire Science Media in collaboration with OFR Consultants. Thank you to the podcast sponsor for their continuous support towards our mission.
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195 - Fire Safety Cases with Chris Mayfield and Martyn Ramsden
The UK's Building Safety Act requires high-risk buildings to maintain comprehensive fire safety cases - living documents that identify hazards, mitigate risks, and establish clear accountability for building safety. This is the subject of my discussion with Chris Mayfield and Martyn Ramsden from OFR.• Safety cases differ from fire strategies by being owned by the building's accountable person rather than consultants• The Principal Accountable Person must take responsibility for preventing fire spread and structural failure• Safety cases must document hazards, protective measures, and management systems• The approach draws from lessons in high-hazard industries following disasters like Piper Alpha• Safety cases should follow a logical structure: building description, safety management, hazard identification, safety measures, emergency procedures, and conclusions• Bow tie diagrams help visualise threats, consequences, and barriers in a way all stakeholders can understand• For new buildings, safety cases integrate with the "gateway" approval system• Existing high-risk buildings (over 18m/7 stories with 2+ dwellings) must have safety cases ready for inspection• When properly implemented, safety cases create cultural change by helping everyone understand their role in safety----The Fire Science Show is produced by the Fire Science Media in collaboration with OFR Consultants. Thank you to the podcast sponsor for their continuous support towards our mission.
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194 - Playing with batteries with Xinyan Huang
Professor Xinyan Huang from Hong Kong Polytechnic University shares his expertise on battery fires and the various experimental methods researchers use to trigger thermal runaway events under controlled conditions.• Terminology matters - "thermal runaway" more accurately describes battery failure than "ignition" as the critical reactions occur inside the cell• Nail penetration testing is widely used but contains surprising complexities, including nail material, penetration depth, velocity and battery orientation • Mechanical abuse tests (crushing, dropping, squeezing) simulate real-world accidents but often lack repeatability• Thermal abuse via heating typically targets 200°C surface temperature using methods including flame exposure, electrical coils, and laser heating• Electrical abuse through overcharging (150-200% SOC) significantly increases risk, while poor-quality charging equipment creates additional hazards• State of charge plays a crucial role in how batteries respond to abuse tests• New research aims to bridge the gap between micro-scale material testing and cell-level testingProfessor Huang is organising the 4th International Symposium on Lithium Battery Fire Safety (ISLBFS 2025) in Hong Kong from October 30th to November 2nd - the largest battery fire safety conference in the world.I intended to link Xinyan's papers on batteries, but there is 19 of them!?! Let me link the most recent ones:Dynamic thermal runaway evolution of Li-ion battery during nail penetrationModeling liquid immersion-cooling battery thermal management system and optimization via machine learningLaser-induced thermal runaway dynamics of cylindrical lithium-ion batteryEffect of thermal impact on the onset and propagation of thermal runaway over cylindrical Li-ion batteriesA Review of Battery Fires in Electric VehiclesAlleviation on battery thermal runaway propagation: Effects of oxygen level and dilution gasCover image source: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.est.2024.111337----The Fire Science Show is produced by the Fire Science Media in collaboration with OFR Consultants. Thank you to the podcast sponsor for their continuous support towards our mission.
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193 - Fire Fundamentals pt. 15 - Extinguishing systems with Bogdan Racięga
Welcome to another Fire Fundamentals. This time the episode is focused on various extinguishing technologies. Invited guest - Bogdan Racięga, Director at Baltic Fire Laboratory and expert in fire protection systems breaks down the fundamental differences between suppression and extinction technologies and how they work in real-world applications.Clear distinction between suppression systems (control fires while meeting temperature criteria) and extinction systems (must completely extinguish fires)Types of fire protection systems including water-based (sprinkler, water mist), foam, aerosol, and gas systems (no fire-balls :))Technical parameters affecting performance: K-value, nominal working pressure, RTI, discharge areasAreas of application, eg. why water mist systems can often be preferred for high-rise buildings due to smaller piping and reduced weightHow temperature ratings and RTI affect sprinkler activation timing and performanceChallenges with concealed sprinklers including maintenance issues and delayed activationTesting procedures for water distribution patterns and certification processesDifferences between high-pressure and low-pressure systems in various applicationsnuances related to the role of an accredited laboratory (ISO 17025) and a certification body (ISO 17065)----The Fire Science Show is produced by the Fire Science Media in collaboration with OFR Consultants. Thank you to the podcast sponsor for their continuous support towards our mission.
Fire Science Show is connecting fire researchers and practitioners with a society of fire engineers, firefighters, architects, designers and all others, who are genuinely interested in creating a fire-safe future. Through interviews with a diverse group of experts, we present the history of our field as well as the most novel advancements. We hope the Fire Science Show becomes your weekly source of fire science knowledge and entertainment. Produced in partnership with the Diamond Sponsor of the show - OFR Consultants
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