Simulation software for predicting materials behavior under high temperature
3D FireSimulator (3DFS) is based on the research carried out by the LIR-Infrared Lab of the Universidad Carlos III de Madrid on heat propagation phenomena in composite materials under load of fire.
Thermal parameters have been previously determined and validated by the LIR-UC3M by infrared non-destructive testing (IR -NDT), including the flash method techniques. Introducing the type of material, its geometry, the maximum temperature, shape of the flame and the time to fire exposure, we obtain a simulation of materials behavior.
3DFireSimulator (3DFS) is a software for virtualization and prediction of thermal behavior of composite materials exposed to fire. Running above a standard finite element program with a heat transfer module, 3DFS shows material’s evolution at every point and at every time.
3DFS results have been verified against real fire testing with less than 5% of deviation.It was developed under ISO2685 specifications but it can simulate any fire test where samples are under a heat source single-sided. Error rate: < 1% for homogeneous areas and 5% in inhomogeneous areas. Designed under the ISO2685 guidelines but valid to simulate any test in which samples are subjected to heat sources on one side.
In the hands of designers, 3DFS is a great cost and time saver, since it allows to check the fire resistance of the designed material virtually, without the need to submit it to the real test. In addition, it can be used by researchers, developers and scientists who are interested in detailed descriptions of the thermal behavior of carbon fiber materials.
