UC Riverside

Fluid mechanic-relevant problems can be solved through numerical models. Numerical models are powerful in facilitating a comprehensive comprehension of flow patterns, providing insights into physics governing phenomena. This dissertation deploys two different model techniques to investigate complex flows to inform 1) the environmental and fuel characteristics for wildfire ignition, 2) the pollution distribution from cooking stove emissions in rural areas.The second chapter of the thesis focuses on experimental investigations of wildfire dynamics. Through controlled experiments, the behavior of fires under various conditions is analyzed, providing valuable insights into vertical fire spread patterns and combustion behavior. Variables including ambient temperature, humidity, fuel moisture content, fuel bulk density, seasons, and crown base height are recorded. The experimental data is utilized for logistic regression to determine the significant factors for elevated fuel ignition. In addition, the experimental data also serves as a foundation for validating Fire Dynamic Simulator (FDS) model. The third chapter of the thesis focuses on the validation of FDS models for wildfire simulation. The accuracy and reliability of FDS in predicting wildfire behavior are assessed by comparing simulations results with experimental data obtained from experiments. This chapter contributes to the refinement and validation of FDS techniques for wildfire modeling, enhancing their applicability in real-world scenarios. The fourth chapter of the thesis shifts focus to the simulation of cooking stove pollution using numerical model. The conducted model is named Quick Urban & Industry Complex (QUIC). The environmental impact of household cooking practices is investigated by developing numerical simulations of cooking stove emissions dispersion in the ambient environment. The study evaluates pollutant dispersion patterns in the vicinity of building arrays and explores mitigation strategies to reduce cooking-emitted pollution, particularly in regions where cooking stoves are a prevalent source of emissions. Numerical modeling techniques can serve as valuable tools for evaluating the effectiveness of policies before implementation, offering reference points for policymakers.