Cone calorimeter testing of vegetation--an update

Abstract

As part of efforts to address fire problems in the wildland-urban interface, the cone calorimeter is being used to measure the relative flammability of different plant species. In the first two studies, we tested plants used to landscape homes in California and an assortment of plants found in Colorado. Using the effective heat of combustion and the peak heat release rate, we found significant differences between some plants. Current efforts include a study of the relative flammability of native and invasive plants of the northeastern United States. We need to continue our evaluation of the benefits and limitations of using the cone calorimeter to measure the relative flammability of different plant species.

Citation

White, Robert H.; Weise, David R.; Mackes, Kurt; Dibble, Alison C. 2002. Cone calorimeter testing of vegetation--an update. [Papers presented at the Thirty-fifth International Conference on Fire Safety, Seventeenth International Conference on Thermal Insulation, Ninth International Conference on Electrical and Electronic Products ... Columbus, Ohio, U.S.A., July 22 to 24, 2002. Sissonville, WV : Products Safety Corporation, 2002]: 12 pages