The aerodynamic and combustion characteristics of eucalypt bark : a firebrand study

The process of spotting whereby burning firebrands are transported by convection and wind to ignite new fires ahead of the source fire is significant both economically and in terms of exposure of fire crews to dangerous situations. Spotting behaviour recorded in Australia is the worst in the world in terms of spotfire distance and concentration and this has been attributed to features of eucalypt bark types. This thesis is the first comprehensive firebrand investigation of any bark. It briefly examines selected firebrand characteristics of Eucalyptus diversicolor, E. marginata and E. bicostata and examines in detail the aerodynamic and combustion characteristics and fuel bed ignition potential of Eucalyptus obliqua...