J.P. Gillis

A study was made of flame propagation in a simulated aircraft vent system to provide design criteria for future vent system installation in aircraft. Determinations were made of flame and aircraft-on-ground. Temperature and altitude effect on flame speed were also investigated.

The geometric configuration of the simulated vent system caused momentary flame speeds in excess of 1000 feet per second and the associated pressures developed in some instances exceeded the structural limitations of typical aircraft vent ducts.

Conclusions indicate methods of reducing flame propagation speed in aircraft vent systems.

Department of Transportation

The Federal Aviation Administration is considering amending the emergency evacuation requirements and operating procedures for transport category airplanes.

Department of Transportation

Excerpts from specifications pertaining to the flammability or smoke developed by certain materials.

William A. Hiering, Charles R. Grisel

Wet and dry runway friction tests were conducted in concrete Runway4R-22L at John F. Kennedy International Airport, New York City, using a Fixed Slip Runway Friction Tester. These tests were conducted to determine if significant friction increases or decreases were generated as a result of transversely grooving the runway surface with 3/8 inch wide, 45 degree, V-shaped grooves, having a 1 3/8 inch pitch. Data analysis indicates that at the test speeds of 50 and especially 60 mi/h, an appreciable increase in overall wet runway friction values due to grooving was obtained for these series of tests. In addition, the treatment of the runway surface by the cutting of uniformly spaced grooves markedly smoothed the resultant wet runway friction values. The chemical removal of rubber from the touchdown area of the 22 end of the ungrooved runway substantially improved the friction values of this end compared to those of the untreated 4 end.

GEC-Macroni Avionics

This document provides guidance for the performance required of Fire Suppression Systems designed to replace the standard practice halon systems currently in use in aircraft Class C cargo bays in the fire conditions herein specified.