On the ignition of a layer of combustible forest materials by light radiation

The ignition of a layer of combustible forest materials by luminous radiation was studied experimentally. The minimum radiant heat flux densities required to ignite combustible forest materials are determined for a neodymium-doped glass laser and a tungsten lamp. It is established that the heat flux, density increases with increase in the moisture content and density of the layer of combustible forest materials and decreases with increase in the diameter of the light spot, and the critical flux density is higher for the laser radiation than for the incandescent lamp.