Analysis of Thermocouple Behavior in Compartment Fires

Published

September 27, 2007

Author(s)

Sung C. Kim, Anthony P. Hamins, Matthew F. Bundy, Gwon Ko, Erik L. Johnsson

Abstract

The present study uses numerical simulations and analytical solutions to investigate the heat transfer processes associated with bare bead and double shield aspirated thermocouples. The uncertainty of thermocouple temperature measurements is emphasized. The study is divided into several parts. Three dimensional CFD calculations for the double shielded aspirated thermocouple geometry are performed to understand the flow characteristics. Based on the iso-thermal flow calculations, conjugate heat transfer calculations for a simplified geometry are performed to investigate the thermocouple measurement error associated with a fire environment. The results of the 3D heat transfer calculations are compared with algebraic solutions from a previously developed simple energy balance model. The algebraic model shows acceptable results compared to the 3D CFD model, despite several assumptions and idealizations. A parametric study was conducted to quantify the thermocouple error for various gas temperature and surrounding conditions.

Proceedings Title

Asia-Oceania Symposium | 7th | 2007 |

Volume

1

Conference Dates

September 20-22, 2007

Conference Location

Hong Kong, CH

Conference Title

Asia-Pacific Conference

Pub Type

Conferences

Keywords

compartment fire, fire experiments, model validaion, structural fire

Citation

Kim, S. , Hamins, A. , Bundy, M. , Ko, G. and Johnsson, E. (2007), Analysis of Thermocouple Behavior in Compartment Fires, Asia-Oceania Symposium | 7th | 2007 |, Hong Kong, CH (Accessed October 31, 2024)