Francesco Colella

• From: Turin, Italy
• Qualifications:
  • MSc Mechanical Engineering, Politecnico di Torino
• Supervisors: Dr Rein
• Postgraduate study: Started 2006
• Visiting researcher from Politecnico di Torino

PhD Project:

Multi-scale Modelling of tunnel fires

Fire modelling in tunnels suffers from the limitations induced by the huge computational domain and simplifying simulation strategies are required to deal with the problem. Francesco’s work focuses on the modelling of flow conditions within a tunnel in normal operating conditions as well as in case of fire by using different levels of complexities in the numerical representation of the system (multiscale models). Regions of interest can be described using more detailed models (CFD), while the rest of the system is represented using a simpler approaches (1D or Zone models). The work aims also at defining efficient coupling strategies between different numerical representations of the system.

Selected Publications

• ‘Two-scale Modelling Approach For Simulating Flows in Tunnel Fires’, F. Colella, R. Borchiellini, R. Carvel, G. Rein, J. L. Torero, V. Verda, International congress in smoke control buildings and tunnels, Santander (Spain), October 2008
• ‘Modelling complex tunnel ventilation systems and fires using multi-scale techniques’, F. Colella, R. Borchiellini, G. Rein, V. Verda, SECOND INTERNATIONAL TUNNEL SAFETY FORUM FOR ROAD AND RAIL, Lyon (France), April 2009
• ‘Analysis of the ventilation systems in the Dartford Tunnels using multi-scale modelling approach’, F. Colella, G. Rein, R. Carvel, P. Reszka, T. Steinhaus, J.L. Torero, SECOND INTERNATIONAL TUNNEL SAFETY FORUM FOR ROAD AND RAIL, Lyon (France), April 2009

See also our page on the Edinburgh Research Archive.