Mathematical Simulation of Forest Fuel Pyrolysis and Crown Forest Fire Impact for Forest Fire Danger and Risk Assessment

Abstract

In order to predict and assess the danger from crown forest fires, it is necessary to study the thermal degradation of different forest fuels in a high-temperature environment. In this paper, the main characteristics of pyrolysis accompanied by moisture evaporation in a foliage sample of angiosperms (birch) were investigated within conditions typical for a crown forest fire. The heat and mass transfer in the forest fuel element is described by the system of non-stationary non-linear heat conduction equations with corresponding initial and boundary conditions. The considered problem is solved within the framework of the three-dimensional statement by the finite difference method. The locally one-dimensional method was used to solve three-dimensional equations for heat conduction. The simple iteration method was applied to solve nonlinear effects caused by the forest fuel pyrolysis and moisture evaporation. The fourth kind of boundary conditions are applicable at the interface between the sub-areas. Software implementation of the mathematical model is performed in the high-level programming language Delphi in the RAD Studio software. The characteristic changes in the sample temperature field and the phase composition under high-temperature exposure from a forest fire are presented. The induction period of the thermal decomposition of dry organic matter in the sample was determined. Recommendations are made about key features of accounting for the pyrolysis and evaporation processes when predicting forest fire danger. The research results can be used in the development and improvement of systems for predicting forest fire danger and environmental consequences of the forest fires.