Evaluating ignition data using the flux time product

Abstract

Abstract A protocol based on the flux time product (FTP) 1 is used to analyze ignition data obtained from the Cone Calorimeter under an impressed flux in the range 20–70 KWm −2 for different orientations and modes of ignition for conditioned cellulosic materials. The mean, maximum and minimum ignition times are depicted graphically by orientation and mode of ignition. Flux time products, FTP indices, critical irradiances and estimates of the convective heat loss associated with a change in specimen orientation are derived using the mean time‐to‐ignition data. It is demonstrated that consideration of the thermal thickness of a specimen may not be necessary when the proposed FTP methodology is utilized to determine valid correlations between the time‐to‐ignition and the incident radiant flux.