The potential use of water mist systems for providing fire safety in atria is discussed. Different atrium types and fire scenarios are considered. It is found that the atrium geometry and the physical characteristics of water mist would affect the system performance. A simple model is introduced for simulating the performance of water mist injected downward from a nozzle installed high above the floor into a steady burning fire. An obvious application of a water mist system in an atrium is to install a "cabin" for preventing flashover fires. Areas that require further investigation are identified.

Units: Dual