| Abstract: | In this study, a protocol was developed to increae accuracy, generality and efficiency when determining piloted ignition properties. A new procedure for calibrating the radiative and convective heat flux protiels on exposed speciments, such as Douglas-fir plywood, has been implemented for the lateral ignition and flame spread test (LIFT) apparatus. The boundary conditions needed for heat transfer anylysis are made unambiguous by including a simple, direct measure f surface emissivity. A new aluminum foil shutter improves accuracy for measuring ignition time. A recently developed theroy of ignitanility provides a formula to account for the transition form thick to thin thermal behaior, allowing specimens of finite thicknesses and a fuln range of test irradiances. |
