An Evaluation of the Global Equivalence Ratio Concept for Compartment Fires: Data Analysis Methods

An experimental effort at Virginia Tech was initiated with the aim to evaluate the applicability of the Global Equivalence Ratio (GER) concept to compartment fires with prototypical building features. The present paper contains an in depth review of previous studies, which are contrasted with a new data set. The data are presented as integrate average mole fractions exiting the compartment correlated versus a new nondimensional heat release rate. In addition to presenting good correlations for depleted oxygen, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, and unburned hydrocarbons, the new parameter provides an indication of the degree of burning occurring up to the compartment exit plane.