FDS Input Generator - Agent Skill

An Agent Skill for NIST Fire Dynamics Simulator (FDS) that enables AI coding agents to generate, review, debug, and optimize FDS input files (.fds).

Based on the FDS User Guide (NIST Special Publication 1019, Sixth Edition, FDS 6.10.1).

What it does

• Generates complete FDS input files from natural language scenario descriptions
• Reviews existing .fds files for errors, missing parameters, and best practices
• Debugs runtime issues (numerical instability, geometry errors, missing outputs)
• Optimizes mesh resolution (D*/dx calculations), output configuration, and runtime
• Explains any FDS namelist parameter, combustion model, or boundary condition

Supported scenarios

• Compartment fires (rooms, offices, residential)
• Smoke management systems (atriums, corridors)
• Sprinkler and detector activation studies
• Tunnel fires with longitudinal ventilation
• Facade and external fire spread
• Wildland-urban interface (WUI) fires
• HVAC and ventilation design
• Pyrolysis and material decomposition

Skill contents

fds-input-generator/
├── SKILL.md                              # Core instructions (loaded on activation)
├── references/
│   ├── namelists-reference.md            # All 39 FDS namelist groups with parameters
│   ├── common-scenarios.md               # Ready-to-use scenario templates
│   ├── materials-and-reactions.md        # Material properties & combustion setup
│   ├── output-quantities.md             # Gas/solid/device output quantities
│   ├── mesh-resolution.md              # D*/dx guidelines & FFT optimization
│   └── troubleshooting.md              # Common errors & debugging guide
├── scripts/
│   └── validate_fds_input.py            # Input file validator script
└── LICENSE

Compatible agents

This skill works with any agent supporting the Agent Skills format:

• Claude Code
• GitHub Copilot (VS Code Agent mode)
• Cursor
• Gemini CLI
• OpenAI Codex
• Roo Code
• And many more

Installation

Claude Code

# Project-level
cp -r fds-input-generator /path/to/your/project/.agents/skills/

# Or user-level
cp -r fds-input-generator ~/.agents/skills/

VS Code (GitHub Copilot)

cp -r fds-input-generator /path/to/your/project/.agents/skills/

Other agents

Place the fds-input-generator/ folder in the skills directory specified by your agent's documentation.

Usage examples

Once installed, just ask your agent naturally:

• "Create an FDS input file for a 2 MW office fire in a 5m x 8m x 3m room with a door"
• "Review this .fds file and check for errors"
• "What mesh resolution should I use for a 500 kW fire?"
• "Add sprinkler devices to my FDS model"
• "Why is my simulation numerically unstable?"
• "Set up a tunnel fire scenario with 30 MW HRR and longitudinal ventilation"

Requirements

• FDS 6.x installed for running simulations (the skill generates input files regardless)
• Python 3.6+ for the validation script (optional)

Disclaimer

FDS is intended for use by those competent in fluid dynamics, thermodynamics, heat transfer, combustion, and fire science. All simulation results should be evaluated by an informed user. This skill assists with input file creation but does not replace engineering judgment.

Author

Maxime Lacroix Master of Engineering, University of Technology Sydney (UTS)

Acknowledgments

• FDS is developed by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and the Fire Safety Research Institute, UL Research Institutes
• This skill is based on the FDS User Guide, NIST SP 1019, Sixth Edition

License

Apache-2.0 - see LICENSE