THERMALLY DRIVEN BUOYANCY WITHIN A HOT LAYER DUE TO SPRINKLER OPERATION

THERMALLY DRIVEN BUOYANCY WITHIN A HOT LAYER DUE TO SPRINKLER OPERATION

A two-dimensional zone-like model is developed to predict the interaction between hot gas layer and water droplets after sprinkler activation. The model combines the motion equations for each droplet with heat and mass transfer between the gas and water. The results indicate that negative buoyancy in the hot layer can only be obtained if the initial temperature profile is uniform. If an experimental profile Is used instead, positive buoyancy results. This conclusion has been confirmed with experimental data.