Air curtain as a barrier for smoke in case of fire: Numerical modelling

This paper presents the basic information about the use of air curtains in fire safety, as a barrier for heat and smoke. The mathematical model of an air curtain presented allows to estimate the velocity of air in various points of space, including the velocity of air from an angled air curtain. Presented equations show how various parameters influence the performance of an air curtain, thus allowing for better understanding of its principle of operation. Further, authors present results of their previous studies on air curtain performance and validation studies on various turbulence models used in CFD analysis. Results of new studies are presented with regards to the performance of an air curtain in case of fire, and final remarks on its design are given.