Verification of Ventilation System Efficiency in a Curved Subway Tunnel in Case of Fire Using Numerical Modeling

Smoke intoxication is the main problem in a tunnel fire, therefore this study investigates the efficiency of the proposed ventilation system for a subway tunnel with specific technical characteristics (inclined and curved tunnel) in case of fire. The investigation is based on numerical modelling using an academic version of Ansys Fluent. Two adjacent subway stations and the connecting tunnels were constructed on a 1:1 scale and the seat of fire was positioned in line with the worst-case scenario. The simulation results consist of temperature and carbon monoxide concentration field sections starting from the burning train to the ventilation plant located at the end of the tunnel. The maximum air temperature and carbon monoxide concentration generated by fire are small enough to ensure a safe evacuation of the passengers to the nearest station.