C. Giori

A multidisciplinary program is proposed to investigate the combustion and flame resistance of synthetic materials used in aircraft cabins. The physio-chemical properties of these materials and their thermal decomposition products (smoke, toxic vapor) will be studied by combined analytical methods such as thermal analysis and gas chromatography and thermal analysis and simultaneous mass spectrometry. The results will be correlated to the functional groups, structure and physio-chemical parameters of the polymers which are related to the release of smoke and toxic vapors during accidental combustion. This approach will permit the examination of many more materials than would be otherwise possible in a given time period. Improved formulations will be developed and tested under simulated infield conditions and compared to commercially available test materials. IITRI has had continuing programs in combustion and heat resistant materials as well as fire, which will undoubtedly contribute to the success of this project.

Dynatech Corporation

An important field of aircraft safety engineering is the development ad utilization of fire resistant and low smoke producing materials of construction.

Jean Campfield

The following legend will be applicable only to data furnished to the United States Government.

D. Gross, G. Naterlla

Quantitative measurements of the total heat release by selected building materials were made during an inter-laboratory study of the Potential Heat Test Method. Seven of the eleven participating laboratories ranked the five materials in the same order, and a single ranking change for three other laboratories would yield identical rankings. The general magnitude of within laboratory repeatability and between laboratory reproducibility for composite materials of generally low potential heat are indicated by statistical analysis of the results.

Results are reported on the effect of the amount of combustion promoter used and on differences in the first and second phase values. A discussion is presented on the effects of materials sampling and on certain features of the experimental procedure which require special care. A tentative test method standard, containing complete details of the test procedure, is included s an appendix

Ken Posey, Jr

Fifty-five modified fuels were tested and rated for their ability to reduce aircraft post-crash fires. The candidate fuels were subjected to a seven-part rating scheme in which combustion and physical properties were examined under both static and dynamic conditions. Measurements were made of flash point, rate of vapor release, burn rate, surface flame propagation rate and fuel spread rate (ignited), as well as fireball size under impact conditions (drop test) and fireball size with sample propelled by a catapult device. Fuels gelled with either alkyl-hydroxbutyramides, amine diisocyananets, A1-2 ethylhexanoate (aluminum octoate) or a styrene type polymer as well as an emulsified fuel were found to provide marked safety benefits. The alykyl-hydroxbutramide gels, the amine diisocyonates and the emulsion had a firm or stiff consistency which would present a serious tank feed down problem in present air craft. The polymer gel was pourable but contained harmful sodium and required a relatively high polymer concentration, and the polymer was not compatible with the de0icer contained in JP-4. The aluminum octoate gel was selected as the best of the candidate fuels tested. It was pourable, provided marked safety benefits, required only a low concentration (1%) was stable, noncorosive and was easily prepared.