View my current curriculum vitae / resume
Tools:
Fire Dynamics Simulator v5 Mesh Size Calculator
Tool to calculate the MESH line for input into an FDS input file
Current Work:
Characterizing Flammability of Corrugated Cardboard Using a Cone Calorimeter
Paper for 6th U.S. Combustion Meeting for the CSSCI (May, 2009)
Link to poster explaining research methods and results
In warehouse storage applications, it is important to classify the burning of cardboard because it provides a source of flaming combustion and is usually the first item to ignite and sustain flame spread. This study develops a methodology to obtain a non-dimensional mass transfer number (or Spalding’s B-number) by using the mass loss measurements from a cone calorimeter. The small-scale experimental measurements are used to model upward flame propagation on a 20-30 foot high rack-storage warehouse commodity packed in corrugated cardboard boxes. Good agreement is observed between the simple model and large scale experiments during the initial stages of fire growth.
Active Projects/Courses @ WPI:
- M.S. Thesis work (see above link on Characterizing Flammability of Corrugated Cardboard)
- Maatman Scholarship work in the WPI Fire Science Laboratory
- Lab website, lab results workflow, VI for lab equipment
- Study on carbon monoxide spread in residences using Fire Dynamics Simulator
- Building the Fire Dynamics Simulator Wiki
Publications:
Conference Proceedings:
- K. Overholt, M. Gollner, A. Rangwala: Characterizing the flammability of corrugated cardboard using a cone calorimeter. 6th U.S. National Combustion Meeting, May 2009. (Paper) (Presentation) (Poster)
Professional Societies:
President, SFPE WPI Student Chapter, 2009–Present
Student Member, Society of Fire Protection Engineers, 2004–Present
Founding President, SFPE UHD Student Chapter, 2007
Student Member, National Fire Protection Association