Instructor:
Peter Sunderland, Ph.D.
FPE Professor & Director of Undergraduate Studies
Abstract:
The annual rate of leaks from refrigeration systems worldwide is about 10% of the total charge. An international drive toward improved sustainability of refrigeration systems is motivating the adoption of refrigerants with low global warming and ozone depleting potentials. Most of these refrigerants are mildly flammable, which is the main impediment to their adoption. An introduction to the novel fire hazards will be presented, including those associated with halogens and hydrocarbons.
Instructor:
James Milke, Ph.D., P.E.
FPE Professor & Chair
Abstract:
With the interest in reopening buildings and facilities on campus to faculty, staff and students while maintaining social distancing during a pandemic, pedestrian plans need to be developed to address the flow of people in and out of buildings. Such plans need to distinguish entrance from exit doors, stairs for ascent vs those for the descent, and circulation patterns in aisles and corridors. This presentation will describe the use of a building evacuation computer simulation that’s been adapted to help develop the needed pedestrian plans. This presentation will include a case study where this computer simulation has been used to develop plans for a building at the College Park campus of the University of Maryland.
Instructor:
Isaac Leventon, Ph.D.
FPE Adjunct Lecturer & NIST Research Associate
Abstract:
This presentation will provide an overview of ongoing research conducted in collaboration between the University of Maryland (UMD) and the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to develop the measurement science capabilities – experimental, analytical, and computational modeling tools – needed to determine the material properties and physical mechanisms that control how and why things ignite, burn, and support fire growth. Specific applications of recent research include: experimental and modeling studies characterizing flame spread in wildfires, firebrand generation and ignition of structural components, reducing furniture flammability, fire growth in electrical enclosure fires in nuclear power plants, and understanding the mechanisms of actions of flame retardants.
Instructor:
Arnaud Trouvé, Ph.D.
FPE Professor & Director of Graduate Studies
Abstract: TBA
