What term describes the minimum temperature needed for a fuel to start self-sustained combustion?

The term that describes the minimum temperature needed for a fuel to start self-sustained combustion is known as ignition temperature. This is the point at which the material can ignite independently and continue to burn without the need for an external ignition source. When a fuel reaches its ignition temperature, the heat produced from the combustion reactions is sufficient to initiate further reactions, leading to a sustained fire.

Understanding ignition temperature is crucial in fire behavior as it helps predict when a fuel will ignite under specific temperature conditions. It is often used in safety protocols to determine safe handling and storage temperatures for various combustible materials, thereby reducing the risk of accidental fires.

Other terms, such as "flammable temperature" and "combustion threshold," may not accurately capture the concept of spontaneous ignition, while "auto ignition temperature" refers specifically to the temperature at which a fuel ignites without an external spark or flame, closely related but not the general term for the minimum ignition point itself.