Numerical Calculations of Turbulent Buoyant Flow in Aircraft Cabins

The UNDSAFE computer code is utilized to study the spread of fire and smoke in aircraft cabins due to fires located in the cabin floor. A simulation study is first made based on expected data to establish the equivalence between two-dimensional and three-dimensional parameters including fire distribution and shape, the doorway height, and level of turbulence and also the effects of these parameters on the fire and smoke spread. The computer code is then used to simulate the spread of fire and smoke in a wide-body aircraft cabin with and without seats for two different scenarios of the fire location. The results show the dramatic effects of the seats on the flow, temperature, and smoke concentration behaviors inside the cabin. Important parameters have been identified such as the seat back height and the configuration of the seat bottom, closed or open.

• Record URL:
  • https://rosap.ntl.bts.gov/view/dot/91853
• Corporate Authors:

  University of Notre Dame

  Department of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering
  Notre Dame, IN  United States 

  Federal Aviation Administration

  Technical Center, Atlantic City International Airport
  Atlantic City, NJ  United States  08405

  Federal Aviation Administration

  800 Independence Avenue, SW
  Washington, DC  United States  20591
• Authors:
  • Yang, K T
  • Lloyd, J R
  • Kanury, A M
  • Satoh, K
• Publication Date: 1983-3

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Digital/other
• Edition: Technical Report
• Features: Figures; References;
• Pagination: 54p

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Aircraft cabins; Fire; Seats; Simulation; Smoke
• Subject Areas: Aviation; Safety and Human Factors; Vehicles and Equipment;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01995013
• Record Type: Publication
• Report/Paper Numbers: DOT/FAA/CT-82/61
• Contract Numbers: NBS NB81 NADA 2000
• Files: TRIS, USDOT
• Created Date: Jul 7 2026 12:04PM