Fire, smoke and toxic gas simulations in special indoor spaces where firefighting is difficult
Subway facilities, such as those in subway station complexes, and skyscrapers have a network-like structure of intricately connected spaces and HVAC systems. The spread of smoke and development of a fire in such structures markedly varies depending on how such connections are networked together. Out of the 192 fatalities in the 2003 Daegu subway fire, about 50 passengers could not escape fast enough from the subway complex.
We have developed a "fire experience simulator" to study effective evacuation guidance methods and shed light on human behavior during fires. The simulator employs virtual reality technology that allows people to experience a realistic simulation of an actual disaster. Using this simulator, we have already simulated the Daegu subway fire as well as the multiple tenant building fire that occurred at Shinjuku in 2001.
At present, we are developing a CFD fire simulator by utilizing digital design data, including CAD data of subway facilities and skyscrapers to predict the development of a fire in such structures and the resulting variations in temperature, smoke density, and toxic gases, among other things. This simulator can be used in the planning of fire prevention measures and firefighting strategies, as well as in the education and training of firefighters.
