A numerical model for flame spread along combustible flat solid with charring material with experimental validation of ceiling flame spread and upward flame spread

Abstract This paper gives a numerical model for flame spread along combustible flat solid with charring materials. The presented model consists of a one‐dimensional flame spread model coupled with a one‐dimensional pyrolysis model. The existing experimental data (the ceiling flame spread beneath medium density fibreboard) are used for comparison to validate the model. In addition, the model can also be used to predict upward flame spread; only some expressions are changed. A comparison with full‐scale experimental data on the upward flame spread over plywoods from the literature is performed. The results obtained from numerical simulations using the model are consistent with these two kinds of experimental tests. Thus, the presented model is appropriate for modelling not only the ceiling flame spread, but also the upward flame spread. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.