Numerical simulation of thermal plumes in free space using the standard k–ε model

Abstract Thermal plumes in a free space are numerically simulated using the standard k–e model of turbulence. Results obtained are compared with experimental data of Yokoi. The purpose of the present study is to assess the accuracy and the reliability of the numerical predictions for thermal plumes, with a view toward practical applications to simulations conducted as part of the fire safety planning. In the study, the computational conditions in the extent of the field of computations, the grid system, and so on, are varied, guided by the correlations proposed by Yokoi. It is found that the distribution of the cell Reynolds number may be employed as measures of the reliability of numerical results.