Incorporating convective feedback in wildfire simulations using pyrogenic potential. (September 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Hilton, J.E.; Sullivan, A.L.; Swedosh, W.; Sharples, J.; Thomas, C.
• Is Part Of: Environmental modelling & software. Volume 107(2018)
• Page Start: 12
• Page End: 24
• Publication Date: 2018-09
• Subjects: Wildfire modelling -- Laboratory experiments -- Wildland fire -- Fire behaviour -- Fire spread; Environmental monitoring -- Computer programs -- Periodicals; Ecology -- Computer simulation -- Periodicals; Digital computer simulation -- Periodicals; Computer software -- Periodicals; Environmental Monitoring -- Periodicals; Computer Simulation -- Periodicals; Environnement -- Surveillance -- Logiciels -- Périodiques; Écologie -- Simulation, Méthodes de -- Périodiques; Simulation par ordinateur -- Périodiques; Logiciels -- Périodiques; Computer software; Digital computer simulation; Ecology -- Computer simulation; Environmental monitoring -- Computer programs; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 363.70015118
• DOI: 10.1016/j.envsoft.2018.05.009
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1364-8152

Abstract

Abstract: Modelling the dynamics of wildfires is very computationally challenging. Although three-dimensional computational fluid dynamics (CFD) models have been successfully applied to wildfires, the computational time required makes them currently impractical for operational usage. In this study, we develop a two-dimensional propagation model coupled to a 'pyrogenic' potential flow formulation representing the inflow of air generated by the fire. This model can accurately replicate features of fires previously unable to be simulated using current two-dimensional models, including development of a fire line into a parabolic shape, attraction between nearby fires and the observed closing behaviour of 'V' shaped fires. The model is compared to experimental results with good agreement. The pyrogenic potential model is orders of magnitude faster than a full CFD model, and could be used for improved operational wildfire prediction. Highlights: Development of a coupled 'pyrogenic' model for fire propagation with inflowing air generated by the fire. Very good fit between a generalised rate-of-spread model utilising pyrogenic feedback and small-scale experimental fires. Two-dimensional formulation runs at a fraction of the cost of a full three-dimensional model.