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Modelling of tree fires and fires transitioning from the forest floor to the canopy with a physics-based model

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  • Moinuddin, K.A.M.
  • Sutherland, D.

Abstract

Wildland fires can take different forms such as surface fire or an elevated crown fire or combination of both. Crown fires are normally originated from surface fires spreading either along the bark of the tree trunks or direct flame contact to low branches with leaves and needles. In the past, surface fire (grassfire) spread simulations were conducted using physics-based models with fidelity. Here, we firstly seek numerically converged results for the burning of a single tree. Previously, numerical convergence for such physics-based fire simulations has been elusive. Subsequently, the linear and Arrhenius thermal degradation sub-models are appraised. For both thermal degradation sub-models grid convergence of the mass-loss rate is achieved with a 50 mm grid. The grid converged simulations also agree with experimental results of a single burning Douglas fir tree. A fire in a modelled tree plantation is then simulated using the linear thermal degradation sub-model. The aim of this part is twofold: one to demonstrate a good modelling practice; and secondly to assess the model capability to simulate transitioning from a forest floor fire to a crown fire leading to a quasi-steady rate of spread. The Kolmogorov–Smirnov test is used to rigorously demonstrate that the simulations on different grid and domain sizes have converged — that is, the results have become independent of the numerical parameters imposed upon the simulation.

Suggested Citation

  • Moinuddin, K.A.M. & Sutherland, D., 2020. "Modelling of tree fires and fires transitioning from the forest floor to the canopy with a physics-based model," Mathematics and Computers in Simulation (MATCOM), Elsevier, vol. 175(C), pages 81-95.
  • Handle: RePEc:eee:matcom:v:175:y:2020:i:c:p:81-95
    DOI: 10.1016/j.matcom.2019.05.018
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    Cited by:

    1. Elena Cervelli & Stefania Pindozzi & Emilia Allevato & Luigi Saulino & Roberto Silvestro & Ester Scotto di Perta & Antonio Saracino, 2022. "Landscape Planning Integrated Approaches to Support Post-Wildfire Restoration in Natural Protected Areas: The Vesuvius National Park Case Study," Land, MDPI, vol. 11(7), pages 1-25, July.
    2. Raimund Bürger & Elvis Gavilán & Daniel Inzunza & Pep Mulet & Luis Miguel Villada, 2020. "Exploring a Convection–Diffusion–Reaction Model of the Propagation of Forest Fires: Computation of Risk Maps for Heterogeneous Environments," Mathematics, MDPI, vol. 8(10), pages 1-20, October.

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