Prediction of Heat Release Rates of Surface Materials in Large-Scale Fire Tests Based on Cone Calorimeter Results

A simple theory is suggested for the important fire engineering problem of predicting large-scale test fires of surface materials based on information obtained from small-scale tests. Ignition time and heat release rate history obtained from cone calorimeter tests are input to a straightforward numerical model that predicts the heat release rate history of a product when tested in the standardized large-scale room/corner test. A constant heat output rate of the ignition source, as suggested by NORDTEST, is, however, necessary; the original ASTM method prescribes varying output rates which makes the type of analysis suggested here impossible. Predicted and measured large-scale heat release rate histories for nine products were compared. The agreement was considered reasonable.