AspireSDS (ASPIRE Smoke Detection Simulation)

• Develop FDS models with all environmental parameters:
  • Mesh and boundaries
  • Objects, Holes (doors and windows), Vents
  • Surface parameters
• Materials and fire properties
• Control functions
• Detection device entries
• Automated Xtralis ASD design input

• Easier construction of the simulation domain
• Easier data entry of smoke detection systems
• Enables comparisons of the detection performance of:
  • Technology types (point smoke, point heat, beam and ASD)
  • Specific product types
• Increases efficiency and minimizes effort and error to engineer and prove a performance-based solution

1. What is AspireSDS used for?
   AspireSDS is a tool to support existing users of NIST’s FDS fire modeling tool to a) provide a convenient interface to prepare the FDS5 input files, which define a particular models/simulation and b) provide a converter for importing Xtralis air-sampling smoke detector (ASD) pipe designs from ASPIRE2 to the FDS5 input file.
2. Is AspireSDS a newer version of the ASPIRE2 software?
   No. ASPIRE2 is pipe network design software for Xtralis VESDA and ICAM ASD systems, whereas AspireSDS is an interface tool for preparing input files to FDS. FDS (developed by NIST and available at http://www.fire.nist.gov/fds/) is open-source software used by the vast majority of fire modelers.
3. What is the relationship between AspireSDS and ASPIRE2?
   Along with other FDS input parameters, AspireSDS provides a unique data converter for importing ASD layout and performance parameters. In other words, an output file of ASPIRE2 (which is an ASD pipe network design) can be used directly as an import file for FDS fire modeling, improving accuracy and efficiency.
4. Who can have access to the AspireSDS software?
   While the software may be accessed and evaluated by channel partners and consultants with an interest in fire modeling, it is only really useful to fire engineers currently using FDS.
   
   Fire modeling is a relatively specialized area of fire engineering. It is becoming more common for large projects that use Performance Based Design (PBD) concepts and is being used to quantify “risk trading” in fire risk assessments. The concepts involved in fire modeling are complex, and the accuracy of the results depends critically on the quality of the input data and on the experience of the engineer running the model. Xtralis strongly recommends that anyone using AspireSDS should be experienced in performing fire modeling and familiar with FDS.
5. How do I access the software?
   Click the “Request Software” button on the Xtralis ASPIRESDS product page. Eligible users will be granted a free license for Xtralis AspireSDS (a $299 USD value) based on their relationship with Xtralis, profession (e.g., fire consultant/engineer with experience in FDS5), and acceptance of the terms of use and support.
6. Is AspireSDS software associated with any governing bodies or institutions?
   No. As the tool’s purpose is essentially data preparation and exchange, no formal certifications or approvals for the product are required. The software tool was jointly developed by Xtralis and Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI), with special appreciation extended to its original programmer, Dan Goldberg. The software is also listed on the NIST FDS Web site at http://fire.nist.gov/fds/thirdparty.html.
7. Can Xtralis provide some training?
   The AspireSDS tool is intuitive to use for an engineer familiar with preparing FDS input files. Xtralis does not provide training on the use of FDS nor on the general concepts and complexities of fire modeling. However, Xtralis can provide training on how to use ASPIRE2 and demonstrate how an ASPIRE2 file can be imported into an FDS model using AspireSDS. A demonstration of this functionality is available as a short video on the Xtralis ASPIRESDS product page.
8. Can Xtralis run a fire model for me?
   Yes. We employ consultants with a deep understanding of the complexities of fire modeling, with a unique competence in producing designs and models for ASD systems. Because our team’s time is usually committed to existing projects, our availability to assist you requires some assessment, and a fee may apply.
9. Who can have access to ASPIRE2 ASD pipe design and modeling software?
   All Xtralis VESDA and ICAM channel partners and most fire consultants can access ASPIRE2, which is available to registered users for download. Refer to our ASPIRE2 webpage for more information. Consultants who wish to use ASPIRE2 only occasionally may find it useful to commission an Xtralis channel partner to prepare an ASPIRE2 file (fees may apply). Please contact us if you wish to discuss further.
10. Can you provide training on the use of ASPIRE2?
    Yes. Xtralis runs a variety of training courses from two-day accreditation training to “Lunch & Learn” programs. Introductory on-line training options also are available. Please refer to our training page for more information.
11. After I have created an import file for FDS, can I then modify that file in the normal way?
    Yes. The file created by AspireSDS is formatted for input into FDS in the normal manner. All structure and syntax of the simple text file can be interpreted by FDS, and the text file is editable by any text editor.
12. I am a user of Pyrosim™ developed by Thunderhead Engineering. Can I use AspireSDS with my Pyrosim projects?
    Yes. Because AspireSDS produces input files for FDS in a standard text format, it is possible to exchange the text files between FDS, AspireSDS and Pyrosim. Two workflow options exist: 
    
    Option 1 - Start basic model with ASD design, refine model in Pryosim and run model: (1) Create ASD pipe design in APSIRE2, (2) Within ASPIRESDS, import ASPIRE2 designs into the domain [keep other inputs as simple as possible] and save/export the basic FDS  text file to Pyrosim, (3) Open the text file in Pyrosim and refine the model parameters, and (4) Conduct the simulation in FDS/Smokeview.
    
    Option 2 - Start model with Pyrosim or CAD package, add ASD design, and run model in FDS: (1) Create model within Pyrosim and save FDS text file. If importing a CAD file, limit complexity of the CAD file to ensure compliance with the standard FDS input file specification, (2) Create ASD pipe design in ASPIRE2, (3) Within ASPIRESDS, open/import the FDS text file created with Pyroism, open/import the ASPIRE2 design into the domain and save/export the basic FDS text file, and (4) Open the text file in FDS and conduct the simulation in FDS/Smokeview.

Please login to the Xtralis Life Safety Partner Extranet for access to more Xtralis AspireASD documents, including:

• AspireSDS Introduction Presentation
• AspireSDS User Manual

Once in the extranet, go to Search tab and select "AspireSDS" from the "Product" drop-down menu.