C.D. Coulbert

A method for predicting the probable course of fire development in an enclosure is presented. This fire modeling approach uses a graphic plot of five fire development constraints, the Relative Energy Release Criteria (RERC), to bound the heat release rates in an enclosure as a function of time. The five RERC are (1) flame spread rate, (2) fuel surface area, (3) ventilation, (4) enclosure volume, and (5) total fuel load. They may be calculated versus time based on the specified or empirical conditions describing the specific enclosure, the fuel type and load. and the ventilation. The calculation of these five criteria, using the common basis of energy release rates versus time, provides a unifying framework for the utilization of available experimental data from all phases of fire development. The plot of these criteria reveals the probable fire development envelope and indicates which fire constraint will be controlling during a critical time period. Examples of RERC application to fire characterization and control and to hazard analysis are presented -along with recommendations for the further development of the concept.

Larry L. Fewell

Twenty-six improved fire resistant materials were tested for flash-fire propensity and heat release rate properties. The tests were conducted to obtain a descriptive index based on the production of ignitable gases during the thermal degradation process and on the response of the materials under a specific heat load.

Thor I. Eklund

This study evaluates small-scale methods of simulating postcrash fuel spill fires adjacent to fuselage open doors. Pool fires in a quiescent environment were scaled down and their radiant heat transfer through fuselage doorways evaluated. Steel ducts of 1, 2, 3, and 4 foot diameter were employed and matched with the experimental heat fluxes at two locations within each model. The analysis demonstrates that the doorway can be treated as a radiating black body surface of l,874 degrees Fahrenheit (F), and that heat fluxes to other areas around the doorway can be calculated. A comparison of heat flux to he model exterior was compared with existing full-scale fire test data.

James E. Damaree

This report presents the results of an evaulation of the performance of various wide body emergency aircraft exit signs while subjected to elevated temperatures ranging from ambient to 350 degrees F. A description is given of the equipment and procedures used to conduct this evaluation. Since some of the signs experienced various types and degrees of failures, performance at elevated temperatures may be additional criteria needed for exit sign cerification.

Thor I. Eklund, Joseph C. Cox

The purpose of these investigations was to develop further understanding of flame spread phenomena through sprays of antimisting. Increased knowledge of this behavior is necessary background to provide adequate technical support for both small scale and full scale antimisting fuel fire tests.