D.S. Varma

The reactions of polyacrylonititrile (PAN) fibers in the presence of benzoic acid have been studied.

Nora H. Jason

Fire Research Publications, 1979 is a supplement to the previous editions.

Dale Hankins

The elimination of fire and explosion hazards in aircraft fuel tanks has been investigated. DOD and FAA tests have shown that a reduction of the oxygen concentration in the ullage gas to under 12 percent will prevent rapid propagation of the flame front and subsequent overpressure exp 1 osi on. One means of providing the required reduction in oxygen concentration is to provide a source of inert (nitrogen-rich) gas which would replace fuel used, and flush out atmospheric oxygen and dissolved oxygen which may be released from the fuel. Molecular sieve pressure swing absorption technology could be used to generate inert (nitrogen-rich) gas. A Molecular Sieve Inert Gas Generator (MSIGG) was designed, fabricated, and delivered to the U.S. Air Force, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio where it will undergo extensive laboratory testing to establish the feasibility of using the molecular sieve pressure swing adsorption technology to provide fuel tank inerting protection for large fixed wing aircraft. In preliminary testing prior to delivery the developed system met performance goals and predictions.

Jay W. Stuart

Postcrash aircraft-fuselage fire development is inherently dependent on the internal and external fluid dynamics besides the combustion, pyrolysis, and heat transfer of the environment. The natural ventilation rate, a major factor in the internal flow patterns and fire development, is inherently related to the external fluid mechanics the flow about the fuselage as affected by the wind and external fire. An analysis has been performed that can be used to estimate the rates of ventilation produced by the wind for a limited idealized environmental configuration. The simulation utilizes the empirical pressure-coefficient distribution of an infinite circular cylinder near a wall with its boundary-layer flow to represent the atmospheric boundary-layer. The resulting maximum ventilation rate for two door-size openings, with varying circumferential location in a common 10-mph wind is an order of magnitude greater than the forced ventilation specified in full-scale fire testing. The method was verified roughly by comparison with test results.

It is recommended that the analytical method be verified by systematic full-scale testing. Furthermore, extended investigation of the real influencing parameters (1) fuselage size and shape, (2) fuselage orientation and proximity to the ground, (3) fuselage openings size and location, (4) wind speed and direction, and (5) induced flow of the external fire plume is recommended. Finally, fire testing should be conducted to a maximum ventilation rate at least an order of magnitude greater than the in flight air-conditioning rates nominally used in testing.

J.H. Enders, E.C. Wood

The Special Aviation Fire and Explosion Reduction (SAFER) Advisory Committee and its technical supporting groups spent nearly 13 months from May 1979 through June 1980 examining the factors affecting the ability of the aircraft cabin occupant to survive in the post-crash fire environment and the range of solutions available. Having only a limited amount of time available, the Committee confined its examination to large transport category aircraft, reasoning that recommendations developed could provide the necessary guidance for the FAA to address the broader spectrum of airplane and rotorcraft fire safety improvement. During the course of this assignment, certain topics that were outside the scope of the Committee yet have some bearing on aircraft fire in general, were identified but not discussed by the Committee. Some of these topics were felt to be worthy of further examination by the FAA or by some other body of advisors constituted for that purpose. These topics are not addressed in this report. Presentations were made to the SAFER Committee by Committee members, technical supporting groups, the FAA, citizens and private firms. . The broadly-constituted body of information developed and presented to the Committee formed the basis for Committee Findings and Recommendation. The Committee focused its recommendations on solutions or interim improvements