Paul R. Dierdorf

The occurrence of a spontaneous-combustion fire in an aircraft oxygen system indicated a need for investigating this hazard. Accordingly, tests were conducted in an attempt to reproduce this accident. These were followed by tests in which combustibles were ignited. Spontaneous combustion did not occur in the first series of tests. In subsequent tests, however, and while a fire was burning at the outlet manifold, spontaneous combustion did occur in the line leading from oxygen cylinder to the outlet manifold. This was attributed to oil contamination in the lines. Ignited fires damaged neoprene valves seats and caused an explosion in the manifold. It is recommended that care be taken to avid contamination of the system, that nonflammable materials to be used, and that rate-of-flow control valves be incorporated to prevent a surge of oxygen in case of manifold failure.

Marvin F. Rammelsberg, Paul R. Dierdorf

A surveillance-type flame detector system of the Protector design was evaluated in laboratory bench-type tests and by exposing the units to more than 250 small-magnitude JP-4 test fires in a modified KC-135 nacelle which had a comparatively low internal air flow.

Laboratory bench testing showed the detector’s sensitivity decreased as the ambient light increased. In the KC-135 power plant tests the system detected 93 per cent of all the fires to which it was exposed. It functioned satisfactorily under several engine power conditions and had a consistently short response time.

Rosslyn Metal

Rosslyn Metal is a clad material consisting of a copper core, metal-surgically bonded on both sides to stainless steel or Inconel.

Charles A. Hughes

A series of tests was conducted to study the sealing requirements of firewalls to prevent passage of flames. The particular conditions chosen for the tests were probably the most severe which could exist; namely, those with fire burning against one side of the fire wall and an explosive mixture of gasoline and air on the opposite side. Under those conditions the maximum hole size which would not allow flame passage was determined.

John Crouch

The purpose of the addendum is to present additional fuel, lubricant and hydraulic ignition temperature data applicable to DC-8 engine compartment design.