Reconstruction of Grenfell Tower fire. Part 3—Numerical simulation of the Grenfell Tower disaster: Contribution to the understanding of the fire propagation and behaviour during the vertical fire spread

The dramatic event of the Grenfell Tower (June 2017), involving a combustible façade system, has raised concerns regarding the fire risk that these systems address. Indeed, as façades are complex systems, it is not straightforward to assess which part of the system is involved in the global fire behaviour. Understanding such façade fires is thus very complex as it depends on a combination of various products and system characteristics, including window frames or air gap or cavity barriers. Fire development inside the initial apartment was investigated using an appropriate CFD model with different scenarios for the fire source and ventilation conditions in a previous study. Fire propagation through the window to the external façade and to higher apartments was modelled and validated against visual observations. This paper describes CFD modelling of the complete Grenfell tower facade, and investigates vertical fire spread behaviour over the full height façade from the initial apartment. Contributions from the combustion of all the apartments' furniture, depending on window failure, and architectural details of the refurbished façade are considered in the numerical model. The modelling results are validated by comparison with photographic and video observations of the real fire.     

Reconstruction of Grenfell Tower fire. Part 2: A numerical investigation of the fire propagation and behaviour from the initial apartment to the façade

The dramatic event of the Grenfell Tower in 2017 reminds the importance of addressing fire issues as a whole and clearly highlighted one of the major roles played by the façade as fire propagation vector. To understand and analyse this disaster, numerical simulation allows particular phenomena to be evaluated more easily. The numerical model addressed for the fire behaviour of the façade system was developed using a multiscale approach and validated at different scales. In this paper, the fire behaviour of the façade and of its window frames is addressed. A computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model is used to investigate the fire spread from the initial apartment to the overall façade with different scenarios for the fire source and ventilation. Fire propagation through windows to the façade and to upper apartments is addressed. General curves representing the re-entry of flames into upper apartment are extracted from simulations. The numerical results are validated by comparison with observations from videos and pictures of the real fire. Numerical results show that whatever the initial fire location and ventilation conditions, even if the fire source is of hundreds kilowatts, it is enough to ignite the adjacent element early and to the appearance of external flames shortly after.     

Numerical analysis of neck propagation in polymeric materials. Part 1 – Neck propagation behaviour of poly (ethylene terephthalate) film

Abstract

Neck formation and propagation in poly (ethylene terephthalate) (PET) films have been investigated using finite element analysis (FEA). First, the criteria for the occurrence of neck propagation are examined and a unique constitutive law for polymers is proposed. Neck propagation is associated with a steep rise of the tangent modulus in the plastic deformation region. The ability of the specimen to form a neck is determined by the ratio of the yield stress to the tangent modulus immediately after the yield point. Next, the characteristic load–displacement behaviour in neck formation and propagation is investigated using FEA. Finally, numerical results are compared with experimental data. The calculated values agree with experimental data on load–displacement behaviour, especially for the decrease in load immediately after yield. An apparent constitutive law representing the load–displacement behaviour of PET film has been successfully obtained. By comparing the experimental results with numerical predictions of the neck localisation and propagation process, it is shown that the decrease in load is related to the recovery of deformation in the region outside the neck.     

Numerical analysis of neck propagation in polymeric materials. Part 2 – Neck propagation behaviour of poly (butylene terephthalate) mouldings

Abstract

This paper examines the factors controlling the formation and propagation of a neck in poly (butylene terephthalate) (PBT) mouldings under tensile loading. Tensile tests were used to investigate the load–displacement and deformation behaviour of PBT and the accompanying changes in surface temperature. In parallel with this experimental study, a numerical model was developed for the deformation of PBT mouldings and neck formation under tensile loading analysed using finite element analysis (FEA). The calculated numerical results were compared with the experimental data. This work has shown that formation does not occur in PBT immediately after the yield point. Instead, plastic deformation first progresses homogeneously through the testpiece. Neck formation and propagation, accompanied by a rise in temperature, then follow. The load–displacement behaviour calculated using FEA could be approximated to the experimental data by adapting an elastic–plastic model at a stable temperature to the necking behaviour of PBT moulding. Furthermore, the dependence of neck formation on strain rate is related to the plastic instability, as demonstrated by the numerical results, and does not depend upon heating effects.     

Rheological characterisation of hydroxyapatite filled polyethylene composites. Part 1 – Shear and extensional behaviour

Abstract

The shear and extensional properties of injection moulding grade hydroxyapatite–polyethylene composites developed for orthopaedic applications have been studied. The composite was prepared without processing aids owing to concerns over the potential biological responses to such additives. The composite containing 20 vol.-% hydroxyapatite filler showed typical pseudoplastic behaviour. However, that containing 40 vol.-% hydroxyapatite filler tended to exhibit yield. The Maron–Pierce equation was found to be useful in predicting the viscosities of the composite systems. The activation energy of the composite and the unfilled polymer were equal, indicating that the 20 vol.-% system exhibits the same flow mechanism as the unfilled polymer. A qualitative assessment of extensional properties was made following Cogswell's method. The extensional stress of the unfilled polymer decreases with increasing temperature whereas the composites behave in a complex manner. For all the systems the Trouton ratios tend to increase with apparent shear rates. The Trouton ratio also indicates that at higher temperatures the flow of these composites is dominated by extensional properties.     

Treatments and modification to improve the reaction to fire of wood and wood based products—An overview

Wood and wood-based products are widely used for structural building elements, but due to their composition, they are susceptible of combusting if exposed to fire. Fire safety is an important issue of building safety, especially when the building's fire load contents enhance the risks of fire spread. Therefore, the involved materials are very important to address the fire safety requirements. When existing timber structures are involved, the most usual way to improve its reaction to fire is to treat wood with fire retardant materials. The idea of this paper is to give an overall overview, on the existing fire-retardant and intumescent coating materials, modification, and treatments that can be applied to wood and wood-based products in order to improve their reaction to fire.     

Plasticization of Fibrous Cellulose Acetate: Part I – Synthesis and Characterization

Synthesis and characterization of fibrous cellulose triacetate, CTA, are reported using an acetic acid/anhydride/perchloric acid toluene catalyzed route. The fibrous product exhibits a high degree of nano-crystallinity. An optimum concentration of the reactants for substitution and minimization of fiber degradation was studied. Chain degradation was promoted by the acetylium ion and led to a loss of fibrous structure. Heterogeneity of the material was studied by powder X-ray diffraction, optical microscopy, and solid-state ¹³C nuclear magnetic resonance. The structure formed if directly influenced by the original nano structure in the cellulose fiber.     

Free radical polymerization of ethyl methacrylate and ethyl α-hydroxy methacrylate: A computational approach to the propagation kinetics

The propagation kinetics of ethyl methacrylate (EMA) and ethyl α-hydroxy methacrylate (EHMA) has been subject to a computational study to understand their free radical polymerization (FRP) behavior in bulk and in solution using Density Functional Theory (DFT). The propagation of EHMA is studied in ethanol and toluene to assess the effect of hydrogen-bonding solvents on FRP of monomers with α-hydroxy functionality. Although EMA and EHMA resemble each other in structure, EHMA propagates faster in bulk due to the presence of intermolecular hydrogen-bonds, which tend to facilitate the approach of the propagating species. This falls in contrast with the experimentally observed lower propagation rates of EHMA in ethanol compared to toluene. Calculations show that the 2.28 rate acceleration in toluene is governed by the ratio of the pre-exponential factors, which reflect the entropies of activation, in both media. The polar protic solvent ethanol has a disruptive effect via hydrogen-bonding on the 6-membered ring shape of EHMA monomers thus decreasing the entropy of activation of the reaction. In the case of toluene, there are no special interactions with the hydrophobic solvent, the entropy of activation is higher than in ethanol.     

Alkali–silica reaction: Current understanding of the reaction mechanisms and the knowledge gaps

Alkali–silica reaction (ASR) is a major concrete durability problem, resulting in significant maintenance and reconstruction costs to concrete infrastructures all over the world. Despite decades of study, the underlying chemical and physical reaction mechanisms remain poorly understood, especially at molecular to micro-scale levels, and this has resulted in the inability to efficiently assess the risk, predict the service life, and mitigate deterioration in ASR-susceptible structures. This paper intends to summarize the current state of understanding and the existing knowledge gaps with respect to reaction mechanisms and the roles of aggregate properties (e.g., composition, mineralogy, size, and surface characteristics), pore solution composition (e.g., pH, alkalis, calcium, aluminum), and exposure conditions (e.g., temperature, humidity) on the rate and magnitude of ASR. In addition, the current state of computer modeling as an alternative or supplement to physical testing for prediction of ASR performance is discussed.     

Load ratio effects on the structural fire behaviour of glass fibre-reinforced polymer-reinforced concrete beams with mid-span bar lap splices – Experimental study

Fibre-reinforced polymer (FRP)-reinforced concrete members have been gaining attention as an alternative to conventional steel-reinforced concrete members due to their advantageous characteristics. A few to mention are excellent resistance to corrosion, high strength-to-weight ratio, and reduced maintenance cost in the long term. Nevertheless, FRPs are often limited in use mainly due to fire safety considerations since they can encounter significant deprivation of strength and bond with concrete in fire conditions. This paper presents the results of an experimental study aimed to investigate the effects of the applied load level on the structural behaviour of glass fibre-reinforced polymer (GFRP)-reinforced concrete beams having mid-span bar lap splices when exposed to standard fire. Two 2750-mm long beams with cross-sectional dimensions of 300 mm wide × 350 mm high were exposed to elevated temperatures that followed the CAN/ULC-S101 standard fire time–temperature curve while being subjected to a load level equivalent to 85% of the beam ultimate design load. The experimental results of the two beams were compared to those obtained for identical beams but subjected to a lower load level that is equivalent to only 40% of the beam's ultimate design load. Results show that the increased load level (slightly more than double the load ratio) unexpectedly did not impact the fire resistance time of the GFRP-reinforced concrete beams but affected other structural responses of the beam, such as its midspan deflections and cracking patterns.     

Using Numerical Dissipation Rate and Viscosity to Assess Turbulence-Related Data Accuracy – Part 1: Experimental Setup

This is the first part of a two-part paper focusing on the assessment of accuracy of turbulence-related data from computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations using effective numerical dissipation rate and effective numerical viscosity. Setup of the CFD cases replicating a swirling pipe flow experiment from literature, for which turbulence-related data measured via laser Doppler anemometry (LDA) had been reported, is presented. The way effective numerical dissipation rate and effective numerical viscosity were obtained for each mesh cell is also discussed. The results of the study are presented in the second part of this series.     

Method to Characterize the Air Flow and Water Removal Characteristics during Vacuum Dewatering. Part I—Experimental Method

An experimental method using a novel design to characterize the air flow and water removal during vacuum dewatering in paper manufacturing is discussed. The experimental setup involves the intermittent application of vacuum, similar to commercial systems, using a rotating disk with slot opening arrangement. The system is capable of commercially realistic residence times of the order of milliseconds. The intermittent application of vacuum simulates vacuum dewatering on commercial paper machines. The air flow rate is calculated from changes in pressure and temperature in the vacuum tank underneath the sample. The role and importance of air flow during vacuum dewatering is studied by accurately measuring the air flow, properly taking into account the leaks during vacuum dewatering. The method described here provides for the first time accurate air flow and water removal data during vacuum dewatering. Methods of analysis of the experimental data are also presented. This information can be used to better understand the water removal process as well the role and importance of air flow during vacuum dewatering.     

Contribution of the γ-hydroxy group to the β-O-4 bond cleavage of lignin model compounds in a basic system using tert-butoxide

Abstract

The most common non-phenolic β-O-4-type lignin model compounds with or without the γ-hydroxymethyl group (C₆-C₃- or C₆-C₂-type, respectively) were treated in a 0.5?mol/L potassium tert-butoxide in DMSO solution at 30?°C to examine the effects of presence of the group. The β-O-4 bond of the C₆-C₃-type cleaved more rapidly than the C₆-C₂-type, indicating that the γ-hydroxy group contributes to the cleavage, in contrast to their reactions in alkaline pulping processes. Furthermore, the β-O-4 bond of the threo isomer of the C₆-C₃-type cleaved more rapidly than that of the erythro isomer. This result can be attributed to the fact that the erythro isomer has the hydrogen bond between a generated alkoxide and the other hydroxy group at its α- and γ-positions in its most-preferential conformer, interfering with the β-O-4 bond cleavage. It was also suggested in treatments of their methyl-etherified derivatives at the α- or γ-hydroxy group that the contribution of the γ-hydroxy group of the threo isomer is greater than that of the erythro isomer. Detailed examination of the distribution profile of reaction products supported this greater contribution of the γ-hydroxy group of the threo isomer.     

Thermal evaluation of the use of porous ceramic plates on ventilated façades – Part I: Effect of composition and firing temperature on porosity and bending strength

The effect of composition and firing temperature on porosity and bending strength of porous ceramic plates for using in ventilated façades were investigated. Two byproducts, basalt and lime mud, were used to obtain porous ceramic plates in accordance with the circular economy concept. Basalt, which is a fine powder-based byproduct generated from the processing of basaltic rock, was used to replace feldspar as the flux mineral in a ceramic composition. Lime mud, a byproduct of the pulp and paper mill process and containing a high content of calcium carbonate (CaCO₃), was incorporated in the ceramic composition to generate pores. The specimens were prepared using three different amounts of lime mud (20, 30, and 40 wt%) and three firing temperatures (900°C, 1000°C, and 1100°C), and their porosity and bending strength were determined. The highest performing specimen (5.1 ± 1.3 MPa bending strength and 42.6 ± 0.5% porosity) was obtained by using 40 wt% of lime mud and a firing temperature of 1100°C with potential for further thermal tests in a ventilated façade in comparison with a commercial porcelain ceramic tile as reference material.     

Stereolithography process: Influence of the rheology of silica suspensions and of the medium on polymerization kinetics – Cured depth and width

UV laser stereolithography is a rather new shaping technique that makes it possible the fabrication of complex 3D ceramic structures with a high dimensional accuracy. The green part is built through layer by layer photopolymerization of a light sensitive suspension.Polymerization is thus a critical step to control in this shaping technique. Photopolymerization, with the initiation, propagation and termination reactions, involves the mobility of reactive species and is then sensible to the rheology of the media. This study investigated the influence of the rheology of suspensions of silica particles in an acrylate oligomer and of the intergranular curable organic phase on the UV polymerization. In this respect, the effects of the powder concentration, the state of dispersion and of the dilution of the reactive oligomer on polymerization, are measured.In addition, the influence of the powder loading on the cure depth and cure width, which are respectively pertinent indicators of the reactivity of the suspension and of the dimensional accuracy of the green part, is evaluated.     

Effect of type of polymerization catalyst system on the degradation and stabilization of polyethylenes in the melt state—Part 4: Comparative antioxidant effectiveness on organoleptic extractables

Several polyethylene resins using Ziegler, metallocene, and Phillips catalyst technologies were examined to obtain more detailed information about the effect of different polymerization catalyst systems on the production of extractable thermo-oxidative degradation products formed during melt processing cycles. This produces volatile organoleptic components (VOCs and extractable) such as hydrocarbons, alcohols, aldehydes, ketones, and carboxylic acids. Although some of the oxidation products are in-chain bound, many are produced as free, easily extractable entities or volatile components. The purpose of this study is to identify the nature of the products by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) and FTIR analysis. The identity of the VOCs formed is necessary to modify the product's quality or establish which are toxic and/or leachable with food products. The results show that the evolution of carbonyl products, nature, and quantity is influenced significantly by the polymer type and catalyst used. Over 300 organoleptics low molar mass degradation products, such as alkane, alkene, carbonyl, and alcohol functionalities were detected by GC–MS analysis coupled with FTIR analysis on hexane extractables. Certain stabilizers can control the generation of certain functionalities and inhibit others. Of importance was the discovery of the relationship between additive activity and structure and inhibition of the formation of specific types of oxidation functionalities to a particular catalyst system.     

The anodic behaviour of iron in ethanol—water solutions in the presence and absence of NaClO4 as the supporting electrolyte

The anodic behaviour of iron in ethanol—water solutions and the effect of NaClO₄ have been investigated on the basis of potentiostatic polarization curves and electrochemical impedance plots. The influence of the water content in ethanol (6–80 vol.%) on the anodic polarization curves without a supporting electrolyte is to increase the anodic current density monotonically with potential. Furthermore, for a given potential, the current density is higher when the water content is increased. In the presence of NaClO₄ the polarization curves shift towards more high current in the low anodic potential range. Thus, addition of NaClO₄ not only increases the conductivity of ethanol solutions in its role as a supporting electrolyte, but it also modifies the electrochemical process significantly.     

Contributions of Ernest Wenkert to the Use of Cyclopropanes in Synthesis – Impact,Reflections, and Recollections

This essay describes Ernest Wenkert's contributions to the chemistry of cyclopropanes and their use in synthesis. The impact of his work on the careers of others, especially including the development of cyclopropane-based research in the Hudlicky group, is addressed, along with reflections on his mentorship. Personal recollections from some of his past students are provided at the end of the article.