A three-layer macro-scale model for simulating the combustion of PPUF in CFD

Polyether polyurethane foam (PPUF) has been analyzed at various scales to determine its thermal decomposition characteristics. Analysis of its decomposition behavior was gathered through experiments of thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and calorimetry. Material properties were extracted from micro-scale experiments. Observations of the macro-scale burning reveal the complexity of its behavior. Notable difficulties exist within the current CFD framework to accurately replicate such behavior. However the simplified description of traits of melting, change of density and liquid flows can allow for relatively accurate fire modeling. The purpose of this paper is to improve the ability of the polyurethane fire model in numerical simulations.