Software Capabilities

Fenix+ integrates three essential functionalities: evacuation simulation, fire simulation, and the capacity for ad-hoc calculations. Moreover, Fenix+ supports 3D modeling, enabling the construction of complex building models.

Offers a unified application for simulating physical processes

The application features comprehensive import capabilities for various types of graphic data, streamlining the model creation process.

Fenix+ 3 enables the import of floor plan images, which can serve as a foundation for constructing a 3D building model.

It supports popular graphic formats such as JPG, PNG, and BMP. Import features include scaling, rotating, and correcting distortions of the images.

Post-import, images can be repositioned, assigned to specific levels, adjusted for transparency, and supplemented with additional images.

Further details on the image import functionality are available in the documentation section “Importing a Floor Background Image”.

In Fenix+ you can import point clouds, which is a 3D representation of a building's topology, internal structure, or specific sections. PTX file import is supported.

The application's capability to import object topology from DWG/DXF files can significantly reduce the time needed for model setup and preparation, and for efficient subsequent modeling.

The graphic editor is equipped to handle topologies of any complexity, accommodating multi-level spaces, complex-shaped volumes, atriums, and extensive linear objects. It offers a robust suite of tools for precise model creation, including but not limited to walls, doors, windows, and various other objects.

A pivotal aspect of the methodology employed is the reuse of created 3D models for both evacuation and fire modeling. This flexibility allows for the model to be integrated into various scenarios, enhancing the efficiency and utility of the simulation process.

Throughout project development, you have access to predefined people profiles with specific movement parameters. This allows for the placement of individuals or groups in designated areas as needed.

The simulation engine is equipped with a mechanism for avoiding obstacles and preventing collisions with other individuals

The simulation facilitates separate adjustments for the speed of different people groups when navigating ramps, staircases, and spiral staircases

The profiles editor enables the creation of people profiles with custom relationships between movement speed and people flow density.

Attributes such as height, projection area, color designation, and movement behavior relative to the topology can be defined for each individual.

Additionally, it allows for the specification of the primary dependency model for simulating people movement, offering a tailored approach to modeling the dynamics of evacuation.

For simulating fire development dynamics, Fenix+ 3 utilizes the Fire Dynamics Simulator (FDS) software, developed by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) in collaboration with the VTT Technical Research Center.

FDS employs a computational hydrodynamic model to simulate heat and mass transfer processes during combustion, focusing on smoke spread and heat transfer in fires by numerically solving the Navier-Stokes equations for low-speed, temperature-dependent airflows.

The Fire Dynamics Simulator operates without a graphical interface, meaning it doesn't facilitate direct creation of 3D building models. Instead, Fenix+ 3 assumes the role of generating the building model.

To conduct simulations with FDS, a specially prepared ASCII text file with an ".fds" extension is required (hereafter referred to as the input file). This file must contain all necessary parameters for describing the scenario, organized into groups.

Fenix+ 3 generates this input file from the script created by the user, converting scenario objects, their attributes, and simulation parameters into one or more parameter groups within the input file.

Calculation areas are designated spaces within which fire development is simulated. These areas correspond to MESH groups in FDS and are automatically aligned in the X and Y directions based on the scene's coordinate grid upon placement. Each scenario can include multiple calculation areas with varying cell sizes to accurately simulate the fire.

Simulating air exchange between rooms during a fire is crucial for realism. The simulation considers not just the direct escape of hot gases and combustion by-products through open doors and windows but also the significant role of air leakage through gaps in closed openings. This leakage becomes particularly pronounced during a fire due to the temperature-induced pressure differences between rooms, actively influencing the spread and intensity of the fire.

The application facilitates the comparison of ASET and RSET values at various points within a building.

Available Safe Egress Time (ASET) is defined as the duration from fire ignition to the point at which conditions within a building become untenable.

Required Safe Egress Time (RSET) represents the time needed for occupants to evacuate a building or zone and reach an exterior safe location or protected exit fence.

The comparison of ASET and RSET incorporates a safety margin to determine building safety. If ASET exceeds RSET, it indicates that the architectural and space planning solutions of the building are effectively designed and deemed safe for occupancy.