Business Details
Expert Fire Protection Engineering Services in Columbia, MD
Combustion Science & Engineering has been a leader in combustion and fire science for over 25 years, delivering innovative engineering solutions to diverse industries. Our team of certified fire and explosion investigators, professional engineers, and PhD-level experts combines academic rigor with practical experience to address complex challenges in fire protection, forensic analysis, and energy systems. With state-of-the-art facilities in Columbia, Maryland, we specialize in performance-based design, fire modeling, and combustion system optimization, serving clients across the U.S. and internationally.Our commitment to scientific excellence is reflected in our contributions to NFPA standards, proprietary software development, and advanced research in fire dynamics and chemical kinetics. From forensic investigations to hazard analysis, we provide actionable insights that prioritize safety, compliance, and operational efficiency while maintaining transparent communication throughout every project.
Services
Advanced Energy Systems
Fire Protection Design
Combustion System Analysis
Fire Modeling
Forensic Investigations
Explosion Analysis
Smoke Control Modeling
Material Testing
Expert Testimony
Hazard Analysis
Highlights and features
- We offer 25+ years of specialized expertise in combustion and fire science.
- Our team includes Certified Fire and Explosion Investigators and Professional Engineers.
- We maintain state-of-the-art facilities for combustion testing and fire modeling.
- We develop proprietary tools for fire hazard analysis and suppression system design.
- Our engineers contribute to NFPA standards and industry code development.
Services
Advanced Energy Systems
We develop and optimize energy systems to address global warming concerns while maximizing efficiency. Our engineers analyze thermodynamic cycles, fuel types, and component performance for power generation systems including gas turbines and nuclear reactors. Clients benefit from cost-effective solutions that enhance system profitability and environmental sustainability through rigorous modeling and field testing.
Fire Protection Design
Our fire protection engineers implement prescriptive and performance-based design techniques for life safety systems. We conduct hazard analyses, smoke control modeling, and suppression system evaluations while considering life safety, property loss, and environmental impacts. Our solutions ensure compliance with evolving codes while enabling innovative architectural designs through advanced computational fluid dynamics simulations.
Fire Modeling
We utilize Fire Dynamics Simulator (FDS) and other tools for 3D fire and smoke modeling. Our analysis supports smoke control optimization, structural heat exposure assessment, and occupant egress planning. This technology enables clients to visualize fire scenarios, validate safety designs, and reduce costs compared to traditional prescriptive approaches through scientifically validated simulations.
Forensic Investigations
Our Certified Fire and Explosion Investigators conduct origin and cause determinations using NFPA 921 standards. With 6,000+ sq ft of laboratory space and mobile testing units, we perform fire reconstructions, material testing, and expert witness testimony. Our findings help clients understand incident causes, improve safety protocols, and support legal proceedings with scientifically rigorous evidence.
Combustion System Engineering
We design and analyze combustion systems for gas turbines, industrial furnaces, and propulsion applications. Our engineers use laser diagnostics, computational fluid dynamics, and chemical kinetics modeling to optimize performance and reduce emissions. Clients receive tailored solutions that improve system efficiency while maintaining operational safety and regulatory compliance through comprehensive analytical and experimental approaches.
People
Doug Carpenter
Certified Fire and Explosion Investigator
Doug Carpenter leads forensic investigations with expertise in fire origin analysis and expert testimony. He utilizes advanced diagnostic tools and maintains active participation in code development committees to ensure scientific rigor in every case.
Stephen Olenick
Fire Protection Engineer
Stephen Olenick specializes in fire modeling and performance-based design. With extensive experience in computational fluid dynamics and smoke control systems, he develops innovative solutions for complex fire safety challenges in large-scale facilities.
Questions
What industries do you serve?
We work with energy, aerospace, nuclear, manufacturing, and commercial sectors to address combustion, fire safety, and explosion prevention needs.
Do you provide expert testimony?
Yes, our engineers offer expert witness services with extensive courtroom experience in fire and explosion-related civil and criminal cases.
Can you analyze fire protection systems?
We conduct comprehensive fire hazard analyses, smoke control modeling, and suppression system evaluations using both prescriptive and performance-based approaches.
What testing capabilities do you have?
Our 19,000 sq ft facility includes combustion labs, fire test chambers, and advanced diagnostic equipment for material testing and system validation.
How do you approach fire investigations?
We follow NFPA 921 standards with certified investigators using scientific methods, including fire modeling, material analysis, and scene documentation for origin and cause determinations.
Do you offer fire modeling services?
Yes, we use Fire Dynamics Simulator (FDS) and other tools for smoke control analysis, structural heat exposure assessment, and occupant egress planning in complex facilities.
