Effects of heating mechanisms and moisture content on live fuel ignition: initial results

How do live fuels ignite? The effects of heating live fuel samples by radiant and convective heat transfer on pyrolysis and ignition are being examined using live fuel samples from the western and southern U.S. Monthly samples are collected to determine how changes in moisture content and chemical composition of foliage and small branches affect ignition behavior. We have completed the first year of measurement using lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta) needles, big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata) leaves and branches, and chamise (Adenostoma fasciculatum) needles and branches. Seven other species are being examined in the second year. Preliminary experimental results for the first year species will be presented. Preliminary results from computational modeling of the experiments will also be presented.