From the perspective of the reliable application of the Scientific Method, if you have not tested your hypothesis against all of the available evidence, you have not reliably applied the Scientific Method. If the evidence is derived from the use of the fundamentals of fire dynamics, then it is one method to test a hypothesis, but not the only means.

I think in your case, if the opposing expert did not the available fire dynamics to test his/her hypothesis as to the timing of the fire growth, development, and spread, then this is a violation of the reliable application of the Scientific Method (as previously discussed). A knowledgeable expert in the FPE community once stated that "time is the yardstick of fire." It can be used effectively and reliably to test hypotheses related to fire origin and cause as well as in fire safety design and research.

J L Mazerat Wrote:
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> Let's go back to the original question. If a
> person knows there are calculations available to
> determine the spread of fire from one compartment
> to another and they decide not to use these
> calculations is that person complying with the
> intent of NFPA 921 where it calls for the use of
> fire dynamics in determining the origin? Can a
> valid conclusion be reached without using these
> calculations?

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