Development of a Prediction Model for Heat Release Rate of a Train Seat Based on Properties Obtained from Small- Scale Material Burning Test: Lateral Flame Spread Behavior on Seat Surface and Its Effect on Burning Behavior

Seat-burning tests were conducted on two types of seats using a burner ignition source to determine the lateral flame spread behavior on the seat surface. Lateral flame spread velocities were calculated from seat surface temperatures measured using three thermocouple arrays. In the first part of the test, the flame spread velocities were constant in all three directions and approximately the same for each seat. At a certain point, the lateral flame spread velocity increased significantly, which was attributed to an increase in the surface temperature of the unburned area of the seat caused by burning of the dripped seat material on the floor. In addition, the lateral flame spread velocities obtained from the seat-burning tests were input into a heat release rate (HRR) prediction model, and the calculated HRRs were compared with the measured values. In the first part of the test, the calculated results are consistent with the measured values. However, the maximum HRRs were higher in the test results than in the calculations, possibly because of the burning of seat materials on the floor, which was not considered in the model calculations.