Laboratory fire spread analysis using visual and infrared images

Abstract

This paper presents an experimental method using computer-based image processing techniques of visual and infrared movies of a propagating fire front, taken from one or more cameras, to supply the time evolutions of the fire front shape and position, flame inclination angle, height, and base width. As secondary outputs, it also provides the fire front rate of spread and a 3D graphical model of the fire front that can be rendered from any virtual view. The method is automatic and non-intrusive, has space–time resolution close to continuum and can be run in real-time or deferred modes. It is demonstrated in simple laboratory experiments in beds of pine needles set upon an inclinable burn table, with point and linear ignitions, but can be extended to open field situations.