Modeling in the field of fire safety (review)

Introduction. To date, there are many (over 150) different mathematical models developed in the field of fire safety. These models are designed to (1) solve problems of heat engineering, heat and mass transfer, human flows, indoor and outdoor fire behaviour, and (2) determine parameters of operation of fire service departments. System research into fire safety models was initiated in the 1970s, and it has been conducted since then. This article presents the results of scientific generalization of mathematical methods of fire safety and provides a brief historical background of the issue.

Targets and goals. Scientific generalization of basic mathematical models used to solve research and engineering problems of fire safety.

Methods. Methods of systems analysis.

Results. The article presents the results of a review of various mathematical models of fire safety. The study encompasses many theories (theories of fire safety of substances and materials, technologies, buildings and structures, fire resistance of building structures and buildings, fire prevention, organization, operation and management of fire service departments, etc.). Principal mathematical methods (analytical and probabilistic ones, as well as simulation), employed by the above theories of fire safety, are considered.

Discussion. The authors list more than 150 fire models of different types and classes. Most of them deal with processes of heat and mass transfer during fires, the fire behaviour, the behavior of substances, materials, building structures, etc. on fire. The study also focuses on probabilistic models of the theory of emergency rescue services operation.

Conclusions. Currently, a general theory of fire safety is being developed. It is a combination of physicochemical, mathematical, economic-mathematical and other models describing the break-out, development and elimination of fires inside and outside of buildings in case of application of passive and active fire-fighting appliances.

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