Wrong parameter units in Mediterranean Fuel Models (Fernandes et al; Portugal)

[PedroVenancio]

Hi there,

I was conducting a simple simulation with Mediterranean Fuel Models, to get the heading Fireline Intensity based on Dead Fuel Moisture, but the results are extremely high, up to 140000 kW/m.

I've compared with BehavePlus 6.0 output, and the Fireline Intensity values are much more realistic there:

I'm uploading both input and output values, so you can check what I'm doing.

Behave_7_v7.1.3.pdf

Behave_6.pdf

I don't know if I'm checking in the right place, but the Mediterranean Fuel Models parameters available at:

https://github.com/firelab/behave-app/blob/fb468cf74b798ca2ed7d2c09e021ea28d0e1f9db/projects/behave_cms/resources/public/csv/2024_12_04_new_fuel_model_codes.csv

are using wrong units.

Here are the parameters for these Models:
https://zenodo.org/records/15031117

The values are almost equal, but:

• The original have Fuel Load in tonnes per hectare (t/ha), and you have Fuel Load in tonnes per acre (t/ac);
• The original have SA/V in m-1, and you have SA/V in ft2/ft3;
• The original have Heat Content in kJ kg-1, and you have Heat Content in BTU/lb;
• The original have Fuel Bed Depth in meters, and you have in ft.

I believe these are the sources of wrong results. Can you please take a look?

Thanks!

[PedroVenancio]

Another example, varying the midflame wind speed from 0 to 30 km/h, with constant slope (5º) and D2L2 moisture scenario, I get heading rate of spread up to 300 km/h:

Behave 7 (v7.1.3) 2.pdf

[shanna-h]

Hello,

Thank you for reporting this, and providing thorough examples and detail! We are looking into it, and will keep you updated.

Shanna

[PedroVenancio]

Hi @shanna-h

Any update in this issue?

Thank you very much!