How to use the cone calorimeter for prediction of fires and fire test results and for use as product development and quality control tool - New developments

The Cone Calorimeter test method has been for years one of the most used small-scale fire test methods. It is certainly one of the methods which is most widely spread over the world at this moment. In contrast to many other fire test methods, the Cone Calorimeter provides a range of data with sound scientific basis, which allows a wide range of applications. In this article five different areas of applications are highlighted and demonstrated. The first area is giving a few examples where the cone calorimeter is used for prescriptive regulations. There is namely a tendency to start using the apparatus also outside the area of fire engineering. The second area is the use of Cone Calorimeter data for prediction of fires by means of advanced mathematical models. Examples on how the Cone Calorimeter test data can be used for empirical models, zone models and CFD field models are explained. The latter is the most novel way of predicting fires and will allow a large field of flexible applications. However it also implicates a lot of knowledge and expertise on both the use the test data into the model and on the model itself. The third area of application is the prediction of fire tests. Many examples are available on the use of the Cone Calorimeter as prediction tool for other fire tests. Due to the small sample size it is well suitable to link the data with test methods for wall and ceiling linings, floor coverings and roof materials. Much progress has been made during the recent years. A fourth area is the use of the method for product development. Different techniques are available and the article focuses on a number of examples. The fifth area of application is the use of the method for quality control. Different degrees of quality control are possible and are explained. (Less)