W. Dokko, K. Ramohalli

This report summarizes the results from a twelve-month study of applying thermochemical modeling to multilayered polymeric materials, passenger aircraft seat cushions. The use of fire-blocking layer(s) between the foam cushion and the covering fabric has been studied extensively to minimize fire hazards from aircraft seats. The objectives of this work are to expand the thermochemical model for the multilayered materials and to experimentally verify theoretical predictions. First, the thermochemical model is extended to any number of multilayered materials, by applying the same analysis technique used in the previous work. The additional constraints of temperature and heat flux continuities at every 'interface are also applied. A computer program is developed to predict burning behavior of seat cushion systems with and without a fire-blocking layer. Second, a series of tests burning seat cushions with and without a fire-blocking layer are conducted in a modified NBS Smoke Density Chamber. The chamber was supplemented with a multichannel recorder/multiple thermocouples and a weight-measuring device to determine temperature profile and to continuously monitor weight loss, respectively. The results indicate that the predicted temperature profiles are in very good agreement with the experimentally determined ones, and that the same effectiveness of the fire-blocking layers are predicted as those of actual weight loss measurements. It is, however, observed that the formation and presence of a void inside of the, polyurethane foam seem to cause the over-prediction of the temperature profile and under-prediction of the weight loss (compared to the case when-the void is small or nonexistent).

David Blake

Ten tests were conducted in LD-3 cargo containers of various constructions. The types of containers tested were: rigid fiberglass with both fiberglass and neoprene/nylon doors, aluminum with both vinyl and aluminum doors, and high density polyethylene with an aluminum door. The materials were compliant with existing FAA flammability requirements contained in FAR 25.855 (b-3). Fires were ignited inside these containers and the temperature on the ceiling of the containers and the oxygen concentration was recorded. It is concluded from this study that the existing flammability requirements for cargo compartment containers are not adequate to insure that accidental fires will be controlled in all cases.

K.R. Miniszewki, T.E. Waterman

The purpose of this study was to provide FAA with a comprehensive review of the applicability of fire protection (management/suppression) system )or concepts) to aircraft cabin fire safety. Both "inflight fires" and postcrash" fires were consiered by the study. Included in the study were establishment and documentation of the feasibility of each system/concept, determination of costs and benefits for systems judged feasible and development of test programs to evaulate systems for unknown (undocumented) feasibility.

The study included a literature search to document the course and consequences of past accidents, and the degree to which various fire protection concepts had been developed. Fire Scenarios were developed from accident histories and engineering analysis, and used to assist in judging the potential of the various systems/concepts examiined. The study encompassed fire prevention, detection, confinement and suppression; handling of combustion products; and escape aids.

M. Teal

This is the final report on the Improved Interior Emergency Lighting Study. The purpose of this study was to formulate a detailed cost analysis of two emergency light and emergency exit sign concepts or systems in commercial transport aircraft for improved passenger evacuation in dense cabin smoke conditions. Eleven emergency lighting systems were initially identified as possible candidate concepts. Of these, two were selected for a detailed cost analysis. Both selected systems are proposed as supplements to the existing emergency lighting system.

These two sys tems are:

Model 1 - Self Illuminated Markers and Exit Signs

Model 2 - Incandescent Lights and Self Illuminated Exit Signs

Cost estimates were prepared to implement these two concepts during production of new aircraft or during retrofit of existing aircraft. These estimates are summarized in the latter part of Section 2.

The use of the proposed emergency lighting systems in aircraft evacuation should be demonstrated to ensure that they provide a worthwhile improvement in crash survival. Additional studies and testing should be conducted for lighting systems for which data were not available.

Thomas M. Guastovino, Louise C. Speitel, Robert A. Filipezak

This Technical Note describes the most recent methodology employed at the Technical Center for the investigation of toxic gases from fire tests run with full-scale C-133 test article.