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PUBLICATIONS

CFAST – Consolidated Model of Fire Growth and Smoke Transport (Version 6): Software Development and Model Evaluation Guide

Published

Author(s)

Richard D. Peacock, Walter W. Jones, Paul A. Reneke

Abstract

Abstract This supplement to the CFAST Technical Reference Guide provides details of the software development process for CFAST and accompanying validation for the model. It is based in part on the Standard Guide for Evaluating the Predictive Capability of Deterministic Fire Models, ASTM E 1355. The model evaluation process consists of two main components: verification and validation. Verification is a process to check the correctness of the solution of the governing equations. Verification does not imply that the governing equations are appropriate; only that the equations are being solved correctly. Validation is a process to determine the appropriateness of the governing equations as a mathematical model of the physical phenomena of interest. Typically, validation involves comparing model results with experimental measurement. Differences that cannot be explained in terms of numerical errors in the model or uncertainty in the measurements are attributed to the assumptions and simplifications of the physical model. Evaluation is critical to establishing both the acceptable uses and limitations of a model. Throughout its development, CFAST has undergone various forms of evaluation, both at NIST and beyond. This Supplement provides a survey of validation work conducted to date to evaluate CFAST. Documentation of CFAST Verification is contained in the CFAST Technical Reference Guide
Citation
Special Publication (NIST SP) - 1086r1
Report Number
1086r1
NIST Pub Series
Special Publication (NIST SP)
Pub Type
NIST Pubs

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DOI Link

Keywords

Building fires, fire growth, fire modeling, hazard assessment, smoke transport
Buildings and Construction, Fire and Fire modeling

Citation

Peacock, R. , Jones, W. and Reneke, P. (2013), CFAST – Consolidated Model of Fire Growth and Smoke Transport (Version 6): Software Development and Model Evaluation Guide, Special Publication (NIST SP), National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, MD, [online], https://doi.org/10.6028/NIST.SP.1086r1 (Accessed December 3, 2024)

Issues

If you have any questions about this publication or are having problems accessing it, please contact reflib@nist.gov.

Created March 28, 2013, Updated June 2, 2021