Louise Speitel

A method of collection and analysis was developed to determine the concentration of water vapor in full-scale aircraft cabin fire tests as a function of time. Specialized collection tubes were developed which selectively trap water vapor. Particulates are filtered out of the sample stream and light fixed gases such as CO, CO2, O2, methane, propane and butane pass through the tube. The gas collection sections of the tubes are surrounded by ice-water to maximize collection efficiency of the desiccant packing material. The percentage of water in the test atmosphere is calculated based on the weight gain of the tube and the volume of sample drawn. The flow is controlled by a calibrated needle valve, downstream of the sampling assembly, held at a constant temperature. The method was validated by analyzing selected components of a sample tube from a full-scale fire test by Thermo gravimetric Analysis.

Margaret Harkleroad, James Quintiere, William Walton

The purpose of this study is to develop a fire-testing method that relates material ignitability and flame spread in the creeping mode. The analytical,approach involves parameters and solutions arising from transient heat condition to a semi-infinite solid. Experimental data are generated on an apparatus employing a radiant panel to provide a varying heat flux to test specimens. Flame spread rates and ignitioft events are measured against incident radiation and exposure time. The flame-spread data for given materials are correlated for varying exposure conditions by plotting the inverse square root of the flame-spread velocity against a product of the heat flux and a time function. The test and analysis results are shown for six diverse materials representative of aircraft (interior panels, carpeting, arid seat cushions) and buildings (plywood, polymethyl methacrylate, and rigid 1oam).

Timothy Marker

Nine full tests were conducted in a modified DC-10 test article as part of an aircraft cabin water spray optimization study. The purpose of the study was to test several spray configurations by varying the orientation of the nozzles, the flow rate, and the quantity of water sprayed, while keeping the fire conditions constant, in an attempt to minimize the amount of water required to effectively suppress a post crash aircraft fire and improve occupant survivability. The tests were used to validate optimization tests previously conducted in the narrowbody 707-test article.

The initial test series employed a full-zone spray system, extending across the width of the fuselage, consisting of 7 zones, each containing 12 nozzles. A thermocouple was centrally mounted at ceiling height in each of the 8 foot long zones, allowing for the activation of a particular zone when the temperature reached a pre-determined value. A second series of test were run in which the original zones were divided in half, producing 5 zones on either side of the fuselage centerline for a total of 10. Each of the 10 zones contained 6 nozzles. The survival time was extended between 41 and 103 seconds, depending on zone configuration, discharge activation temperature and cabin location.

Joan Janowitz

The Digital Systems Validation Handbook is a tutorial series designed to provide certification engineers information on current topics related to digital avionics. The book plan lays the foundation for volume III of this series. The purpose of the handbook book plan is to identify technology and related issues that certification engineers are likely to encounter. Volume III of the handbook series will consist of approximately 20 chapters. Sixteen chapters are described in the book plan. Four were reserved for technologies or issues that might emerge during the course of the volume III life cycle.

A list of potential handbook topics was derived from a survey of the literature, conference and seminar attendance, results of an informal questionnaire, and interviews with Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) National Resource Specialists, experts in the field of certification and digital avionics, National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) officials, and persons in private industry. From this input, the list of potential topics was developed and refined into handbook chapters.

In addition to the chapter list and descriptions, the handbook purpose, scope, and use is discussed. The unabridged list of topics is included in the book plan appendix.

Civil Aviation Authority London

This paper is a summary of research and analysis conducted with the purpose of determining the feasibility and practicability of an onboard aircraft cabin water spray system for extending survival time during a post crash fire. The basis for this work was a series of impressive demonstrations of the effectiveness of a water spray system by the SAVE company in the UK. The SAVE system was used as the baseline design at the onset of the program. The research program was carried out by the FAA and CAA and managed by a Group which has included representatives of the FAA, Transport Canada, CAA, DGAC, LBA and RLD.