Nonlinear dynamical model of compartment fire flashover

A new dynamical model predicting compartment fire flashover is presented. The development is motivated by apparent deficiencies of available models. Innovative interpretation of flashover in terms of thermal explosion theory is proposed. In contrast to previously developed flashover dynamical models, which can be interpreted in terms of classical thermal explosion, the present model is interpreted as a conjugate thermal explosion. Therefore, the general conjugate thermal explosion concept finds its natural application in compartment fire dynamics. Critical conditions for compartment fire flashover are derived for the present model, and compared to those available from earlier studies.