Not an absolute. Sometimes modeling may not be able to be done in a scientifically reliable manner and sometimes models are produced that are scientifically unreliable based on ignorance or manipulation by the user. Again, it depends on the circumstances, the integrity of the user, and the knowledge and abilities of the user.

Sir Gary Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> > Can a valid conclusion be reached without using
> these calculations?
> I put it to you otherwise;
> "Can a valid conclusion be reached with these
> calculations?"
>
> When it comes to fire modeling, often there are so
> many parameters,
> (many of which are unknown/uncertain to the FI)
> that even slight variations
> can cause wildly-varying results when plugged into
> a fire-modeling algorithm.
>
> (That said, I've run into FI's making wild claims
> which are clearly
> scientifically impossible, had they crunched some
> basic numbers).

Douglas J. Carpenter, MScFPE, CFEI, PE, FSFPE
Vice President & Principal Engineer
Combustion Science & Engineering, Inc.
8940 Old Annapolis Road, Suite L
Columbia, MD 21045
(410) 884-3266
(410) 884-3267 (fax)
www.csefire.com