Conclusion

Flashover is a key phenomenon in the evolution of a fire in an enclosed environment, marking the transition from a controllable growth phase to a fully developed fire. It leads to a sudden rise in temperature, a drop in oxygen levels and massive smoke production, making evacuation impossible and endangering occupants and responders alike.

A detailed understanding of this phenomenon relies on the study of heat transfer mechanisms, interactions between combustible materials and smoke dynamics. The empirical models presented in this article offer valuable tools for anticipating the occurrence of flashover, but they remain limited by their simplifying assumptions. The integration of analytical models, zone models and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) enables a more robust and detailed approach.

In a context where regulations are evolving and...