Interactive Simulation of Fire , Burn and Decomposition . ( December 2007 )

Interactive Simulation of Fire, Burn and Decomposition. (December 2007) Zeki Melek, B.S., Bogazici University; M.S., Bogazici University Chair of Advisory Committee: Dr. John Keyser This work presents an approach to effectively integrate into one unified modular fire simulation framework the major processes related to fire, namely: a burning process, chemical combustion, heat distribution, decomposition and deformation of burning solids, and rigid body simulation of the residue. Simulators for every stage are described, and the modular structure enables switching to different simulators if more accuracy or more interactivity is desired. A “Stable Fluids” based three gas system is used to model the combustion process, and the heat generated during the combustion is used to drive the flow of the hot air. Objects, if exposed to enough heat, ignite and start burning. The decomposition of the burning object is modeled as a level set method, driven by the pyrolysis process, where the burning object releases combustible gases. Secondary deformation effects, such as bending burning matches and crumpling burning paper, are modeled as a proxy based deformation. Physically based simulation, done at interactive rates, enables the user to efficiently test different setups, as well as interact and change the conditions during the simulation. The graphics card is used to generate additional frames for real-time visualization. This work further proposes a method for controlling and directing high resolution simulations. An interactive coarse resolution simulation is provided to the user as a