Applications of the Equivalent Gap Fraction Criterion Method for Fire Whirl Risk Evaluation and Prevention in a Real Fire Disaster

In this paper, a method is proposed for spontaneous fire whirl analysis and prediction due to non-regularly or randomly distributed flame sources, by defining an equivalent gap fraction and providing an adapted criterion. The topological structure of the flame source configuration, the eccentric direction of each equivalent gap and the integrated effect of all the gaps are considered. By the application of the equivalent gap fraction criterion, predictions can be made in a real fire disaster for the likelihood, the rotating direction and the rough intensity of the swirl and then suggestions can be provided for configuration design to prevent fire whirls or to reduce the damage.