Qie JF, Yang LZ, Wang YF, Dai JK, Zhou XD (2011) Experimental Study of the Influences of Orientation and Altitude on Pyrolysis and Ignition of Wood. Journal of Fire Sciences 29(3), 243-258. [In English]

Web link: http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/0734904110392961

Keywords:

orientation; altitude; fire prevention; pyrolysis; ignition; sample orientation; radiative ignition; ambient oxygen; nonpiloted; ignition; charring materials; solid fuels; atmospheres; laser

Abstract: On account of limited attention paid to the influence of orientation and altitude in previous research, the pyrolysis and ignition characteristics of wood in different orientations and altitudes were investigated experimentally. Two orientations were explored: vertical and horizontal. In addition, experiments were conducted in Lhasa and in Hefei, which are at very different altitudes. Ignition time, mass loss rate, and surface temperature are discussed. Compared with those in the horizontal orientation, shorter ignition times, faster mass loss rates, and lower surface temperatures were observed in the vertical orientation. In addition, there are shorter ignition times, faster mass loss rates, and higher surface temperatures in Lhasa (high altitude) than in Hefei (low altitude).