Thermal breakage of window glass in room fires conditions - Analysis of some important parameters

In a compartment fire, the breakage and possible fallout of a window glass has a significant impact on the fire dynamics. The thermal breakage of glass depends on various parameters such as glass type, edge shading, edges conditions and constraints on the glass. The purpose of the present study is to investigate some of the key parameters affecting the thermal breakage of window glass in fire conditions using a recently developed and validated computer tool. Fallout is not within the scope of this study. Different boundary conditions of the glass pane (unconstrained and constrained) subjected to fire radiant heat are investigated. The analysis shows that to prevent glass thermal breakage, it is important to provide enough spacing between the frame and glass pane to accommodate the thermal expansion, and constraints on the glass structure should be avoided. The zones where the glass is likely to crack first are shown. The study also quantifies the effects of glass edge conditions on its thermal breakage in fire conditions; such analysis has not been reported in the literature due to its complexity and the statistical nature of edge flaws. The results show that an ordinary float glass mostly used in windows, with the “as-cut” edge condition would break later and is stronger than a ground edge or polished edge glass for the scenarios investigated. The study demonstrates how a predictive tool could be employed for a better understanding of thermal breakage of window glass in fires and for design guidance

Improving Director Preferences and Creating a User Interface for the Global Opportunities Allocation Tool

This MQP improves the Global Opportunities Allocation Tool (GOAT) used by the Global Experience Office (GEO) to place students in study abroad sites. The goals were to build a front-end interface for the GOAT to allow GEO to run it with ease, and to modify the directors’ survey and back-end code to better diversify cohorts and satisfy director preferences. Weighting parameters and stability were also studied to make observations about improving placements. Results included a web-based front-end interface for GEO to upload data, set parameters, and run and view results. After positive experimental testing, the team recommended adding a criterion to the directors’ survey for cultural awareness, and allowing directors to split their cohort and request students with certain attributes

Promoting Qom Artisan Baskets in the United States

The Qom are a group of impoverished Indigenous people who live in Cerrito, Paraguay. Some of the Qom women are artisans who weave baskets and sell them in order to bring in much needed income for their families. The objective of the project was to create a business and marketing plan for the exportation and sale of these baskets in the United States, in collaboration with Fundación Paraguaya. The team researched, interviewed, and collaborated with retailers to make the plans. It was determined that selling the baskets in the United States would bring the artisans minimum wage, which is often unattainable for Indigenous people in Paraguay. The team recommends that Fundación Paraguaya sell the Qom baskets in the United States, and implement the business and marketing plans

Thermal breakage of window glass in room fires conditions - Analysis of some important parameters

In a compartment fire, the breakage and possible fallout of a window glass has a significant impact on the fire dynamics. The thermal breakage of glass depends on various parameters such as glass type, edge shading, edges conditions and constraints on the glass. The purpose of the present study is to investigate some of the key parameters affecting the thermal breakage of window glass in fire conditions using a recently developed and validated computer tool. Fallout is not within the scope of this study. Different boundary conditions of the glass pane (unconstrained and constrained) subjected to fire radiant heat are investigated. The analysis shows that to prevent glass thermal breakage, it is important to provide enough spacing between the frame and glass pane to accommodate the thermal expansion, and constraints on the glass structure should be avoided. The zones where the glass is likely to crack first are shown. The study also quantifies the effects of glass edge conditions on its thermal breakage in fire conditions; such analysis has not been reported in the literature due to its complexity and the statistical nature of edge flaws. The results show that an ordinary float glass mostly used in windows, with the “as-cut” edge condition would break later and is stronger than a ground edge or polished edge glass for the scenarios investigated. The study demonstrates how a predictive tool could be employed for a better understanding of thermal breakage of window glass in fires and for design guidance