Simulation of fuel bed ignition by wildland firebrands

Abstract

A 3-D mathematical model of fuel bed (FB) ignition initiated by glowing firebrands originating during wildland fires is proposed. In order to test and verify the model, a series of experiments was conducted to determine the FB ignition time by a single pine bark and twig firebrand (Pinus sylvestris). Irrespective of the pine bark sample sizes and experimental conditions, the ignition of the FB was not observed. Conversely, pine twigs, under certain parameters, ignited the FB in the range of densities (60–105 kg m−3) and with the airflow velocity of ≥2 m s−1. The results of the mathematical modelling have shown that a single pine bark firebrand ≤5 cm long with a temperature of T ≤ 1073 K does not ignite in the flaming mode the FB, and only the thermal energy of larger particles is sufficient for flaming ignition of the adjacent layers of the FB. The analysis of the results has shown that the firebrand length is a major factor in the initiation of ignition. Comparison of the calculated and observed FB ignition times by a single firebrand have shown that our modelling accords well with the experimental results.