A numerical study on smoke propagation in metro tunnel fires with different door opening scenarios

Abstract Numerical study was carried out to analyze the effect of door opening scenario on the smoke propagation in metro tunnel fires. The smoke back-layering length, critical velocity, and temperature distribution were studied under a total of 8 working conditions. Results show that the opening of emergency exit doors could result in a shorter smoke back-layering length in the train compartment. In such conditions, a smaller driving force was needed to approach the critical velocity. On the other hand, the high temperature area of the tunnel evacuation platform would change under different opening scenarios. The research result could be used as a deeper understanding of the smoke propagation of metro fire and a reference for the formulation of smoke control.