Dr Christopher Thomas

Completed PhD student
About
Dr Christopher Thomas

Dr Christopher Thomas’ research revolved around the numerical models which allow for two-way interaction between a bushfire and the surrounding atmosphere, which is an essential tool in understanding the dynamic behaviour of fire. These models permit a more detailed appreciation of the physical processes underlying extreme bushfire development, however, there remain shortcomings with the technology. Christopher’s research evaluated current modelling methodologies, particularly pertaining to spot fire development, quantifying the separate effects of radiation and convection, and delivering a dataset of coupled fire-atmosphere simulations of fundamental burning scenarios for comparison with experimental data.

Christopher is now a researcher at the University of New South Wales’ Climate Change Research Centre.

His thesis is available here.

Student project

This research revolved around the numerical models which allow for two-way interaction between a bushfire and the surrounding atmosphere, which is an essential tool in understanding the dynamic behaviour of fire. These models permit a more detailed appreciation of the physical processes underlying extreme bushfire development, however, there remain shortcomings with the technology. This research evaluated current modelling methodologies, particularly pertaining to spot fire development, quantifying the separate effects of radiation and convection, and delivering a dataset of coupled fire-atmosphere simulations of fundamental burning scenarios for comparison with experimental data.
Supervisory panel:
Incorporation of spotting and fire dynamics in a coupled atmosphere - fire modelling framework
19 Sep 2018
Spotting is a challenging aspect of bushfire operations. We currently have poor capacity to...
Incorporation of spotting and fire dynamics in a coupled atmosphere - fire modelling framework
29 Jun 2017
This project focuses on looking for ways to improve operational fire-spread modelling by looking...
Christopher Thomas Conference Poster 2016
14 Aug 2016
A key problem in wildfire modelling is how to capture dynamic fire behaviour in models suitable for...

Resources credited

Type Released Title Download Key Topics
Presentation-Slideshow 18 Sep 2018 Pyroconvective interactions and dynamic fire propagation PDF icon Save (2.21 MB) fire, fire impacts, fire weather

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