Computational Investigation of the Transport of Burning Particles

Abstract

Computational modeling of the dynamics of the convective column formed by a low forest fire and of the transport of particles burning in it has been carried out. At the initial stage of formation of a thermal column, medium- and large-size particles move with the ascending air flow to its upper boundary; then they are entrained by the torroidal vortex and carried out of the combustion zone to the outer boundary of the circulation flow where they settle to the underlying surface. With increasing size of particles the maximum rise height of particles and the distance for which they are transported by the vortex flow decrease. The temperature of large particles at the moment of their landing is above the critical one, which can initiate ignition of the underlying surface and the formation of a secondary site of fire.