Thor I. Eklund

A two-dimensional vortex model is developed to describe flames on burniing walls. The flame is considered a region of intense vorticity generation and is modeled by an equivalent vortex filament. Flame height is predicted by matchiing the induced airflow to stoichiometer requirements based on wall mass loss rate or energy release rate. The vortex model predicts the same two-thirds power law relationship that has been determined from other approaches. The quantitative predicted height is within the published limits of experimental certainty.

R.G. Hill, T.I. Eklund, C.P. Sarkos

Full-scale cabin fire tests were conducted to determine potential increases in passenger survivabiliy with different interior panel constructions. The test fuselage was a C-133 with a simulated wide-body door opening exposed to an 8-foot by 10-foot fuel fire. In the first series, the interior near the door was lined with the honeycomb panels to determine whether earlier studies performed with small-scale enclosures were consistent with the full-scale counterpart. These earlier studies resulted in the Ohio State University (OSU) Rate of Heat Release Apparatus as the most appropriate type test to evaluate aircraft panels. The first series was followed by tests that included fire-blocked seats and carpeting as well as the panels to determiine the type survivability increases that could be attained from low heat release materials. The scenerio employed generally resulted with flashover within 2 minutes for panels considered typical in performance. A low heat release phenolic/fiberglass panel demonstrated a flashover delay until about 4 minutes in to the test. An incombustible panel prevented flashover altogether. The performance of the various panels was evaluated to develop recommended flammability criteria for a modified OSU Rate of Heat Release Apparatus.

Dave Blake

This report contains the results of a full-scale fire test in a simulated class D cargo compartment. Suitcases were used for the fire load. Cardboard boxes representing approximately 35 percent of the compartments volume were placed in the test article to displace air but were not involved in the fire. Aluminum panels, 1/8-inch thick were installed in the ceiling, directly above the point of ignition. The fire melted through the aluminum panels after approximately 11 minutes and consequently, the fire was not contained or suppressed through oxygen starvation.

Warren D. Hayes, Jr.

The literature was searched for information on the size of water droplets from fire fighting equipment, on instrumentation and techniques for measuring droplet size in dense sprays, and on significance of droplet size in water sprays used for fire extinguishment. From the information on drop size analyzers gathered, it is likely that analyzers using a shadowgraphic method to measure drop size are best suited for drop size measurements in water sprays from fire hose nozzles. The effects of droplet size in water sprays used for extinguishment is confined and unconfined spaces and with and without counterflowing air currents are discussed. This report supersedes the January 1985 edition. (NBSIR 85-3100)

J.G. Quintiere, V. Babrauskas, L. Cooper, M. Harkleroad, K. Steckler

Analyses were performed on full-scale aircraft post-crash fire data. In particular the rate and involvement of aircraft wall and ceiling panels are examined. For two full-scale experiments the energy release rate of the interior cabin furnishings were estimated and an estimate of ceiling ignition completed. Also an extensive set of measurements, by several advanced state-of-the-art laboratory flamability devices, was conducted for fire aircraft panel materials. The measurements included piloted ignition by thermal radiation, energy release rate, combustion produce generation rates, lateral flame spread rates in vertical orientation, flame heights and their heat transfer to a contiguous vertical surface and for one device results were obtained at conditions of oxygen concentrations lower than normal air. Comparison among the results for each device show good consistency of the ignition data, but only fair agreement for energy release rate data.