Jerry B. Reeves

A basic mathematical model and computer simulation program have been developed to assess the smoke and toxic gas emissions resulting from the burning of cabin interior materials of a wide-body transport aircraft in a full-scale fire based on laboratory test data on these materials. The mathematical model employs a technique of approximating the distribution of burning or smoldering regions on combustible materials by dividing the surface of the material into square area elements. The combustion behavior of a material is modeled by the allowing of the area elements to exist in one of seven discrete states. The four primary states are the following: virgin (the original, unignited condition), smoldering (nonflaming thermal degredation), flaming (burning with open flaming), or charred (burned-out or inert). The other three states are intermediate states in the transition to or from one of the four primary states. Fire ignition; flame spread; release of heat, smoke, and toxic combustion products; and the eventual extinction of a fire are all predicted by speciiying times of transition between the four primary states and by speciiying flame spread rates. Transition times, flame spread rates and the smoke, heat, and toxic gas release rates are assumed to be known as functions of imposed heat flux from laboratory measurements on the speciiic materials and assemblies of an aircraft cabin interior. Smoke and toxic gas concentration within the cabin section of the fire origin are computed by a one-dimensional, dynamic, stratified model of the cabin atmosphere which includes buoyancy driven flow out of the cabin section through one or more doorways. The results of two sample runs of the simulation program are presented and analyzed. The significance of the various interior materials' contribution to the cabin fire is shown. Recommendations for validation of the model are given. This report consists of three volumes: Volume I is entitled "Laboratory Test Program" and Volume ll is entitled "Computer Program User's Guide".

Jerry B. Reeves

A basic mathematical model and computer simulation program have been developed to assess the smoke and toxic gas emissions resulting from the burning of cabin interior materials of a wide- body transport aircraft in a full- scale cabin fire. The simulation is based on laboratory test data on the cabin materials. This report presents the re sults of a laboratory test prog ram which wa s conducted in support of the model development. Various flammability and combustion toxicity, properties were measured for several wide- body cabin materials by The Boeing Commercial A irplane Company under a subcontract to the University ,of Dayton' Research Institute. The measurements were made using the O.SU Combustion Analyzer, the NBS Smoke Chamber, and the Boeing Burn-Through A pparatus. This report describes the test procedures, the tes't results, the analysis of the test data, and the development of a set of material prop:erties input data for the cabin fire. simulation program. This report consists of three volumes; Volume I is entitled IIBasic Mathematical Model" and Volume III is entitled "Computer Program User s Guide".

Peter M. Kuhut

A basic mathematical model and computer simulation program have been developed to assess the smoke and toxic gas emissions resulting from the burning of cabin interior materials of a wide- body transport aircraft in a full-scale fire. The simulation is based on laboratory test data on the cabin materials. This report is a guide for use of the computer simulation program which includes instructions for input data preparation, sample input and output, basic definitions concerning the simulation program and mathematical model, and a brief description of the program structure. This report consists of three volumes: Volume I is entitled "Basic Mathematical Model" and Volume II is entitled "Laboratory Test Program".

John A. Fontenot

A study was conducted on various lightweight thermal barrier materials to ascertain whether a thermal protection system could be devise which could by used in air superiority aircraft to prevent fire propagation through the aircraft and thus affecting critical components. The paper describes various materials, material properties, and thermal performance is simulated environments f lightweight foam materials. The paper also describes the thermal performance criteria the materials must attain to be acceptable and formulations for several compositions which were considered satisfactory in meeting the pre-established criteria.

P. Starrett, E. Lopez, B. Silverman, J. Susersky, J. Logan

A feasibility investigation and tradeoff analysis was performed on two approaches to increase fire safety for a hypothetical aircraft: (1) an integrated Fire Management System, incorporating fire detection, monitoring, and suppression, and (2) improved non-metallic materials with greater fire retardancy and lower emission of hazardous pyrolysis products. Fire-related ,accident and 'incident data over a 10-year period were analyzed. Then the 'ire safety aspects of the hypothetical aircraft were studied on a zone-by one basis. A survey was made of the relevant available technology to upgrade he aircraft fire protection. A fire detection, monitoring, and extinguishing system based on this technology was outlined. Candidate material improvements "ere identified. The two approaches were defined in terms of performance, economics, and timelines. Performance and cost factors favored a Fire Management System over improved materials. Unresolved technical problems existed with both approaches, and both involved substantial weight and economic increases. The Fire Management System appeared to have an advantage in timely availability, particularly since some of the qualifying tests for roved materials still need to be developed and accepted. Technology currently exists to provide an effective early-warning fire detection and monitoring system. A safe effective extinguishing agent suitable for a cabin fire suppression system has yet to be fully demonstrated.