The visual above represents a simplified radiating source
and receiving surface. Increasing source emissive power,
geometric view factor or atmospheric transmissivity increases
the calculated incident radiant heat flux.
What does the view factor represent?
The view factor represents geometric coupling between the
radiating source and receiver. In a detailed engineering model,
it depends on flame dimensions, distance, orientation and the
geometry of the receiving surface.
Important limitation
Important:
this interactive calculator is an educational and analytical
engineering tool. It does not determine a safe wildfire distance,
structure ignition threshold or human safety threshold.