Charred Wood Analysis Using Cone Calorimeter and Char Depth Estimation

This study aimed to improve data consistency and establish baseline data for wood ignition sources in standard tests. Fire safety standards were reviewed to guide tree species selection and property analysis, and methodologies including cone calorimeter testing and charring depth measurement were examined. Combustion experiments were conducted on four selected wood species using a cone calorimeter to evaluate thermal performance, and charring depth was measured using a corresponding method. Char volume, charring rate, char mass, char density, and combustion efficiency were calculated and compared as indicators of charring level based on experimental results and direct measurements. The comparison identified correlations and limitations of these parameters for assessing charring level, including thermal performance and charring depth. The findings provide reference data to reduce variability in ignition source results among tree species by supporting the simultaneous application of charring-level parameters when characterizing standard wood ignition sources.