⚠️ UNOFFICIAL ARCHIVE — a snapshot of the former FAA Fire Safety website (fire.tc.faa.gov) as of October 2025, preserved from the Internet Archive. Historical record only; no longer updated. Not affiliated with or endorsed by the FAA. · About this archive
Please enable Style Sheets for enhanced viewing & features.

 

Search Results

Records 401 to 405 of 733

Title: Ignition And Progation Rates For Flames In A Fuel Mist
Author: C.E. Polymeropoulos, V. Sernas
Abstract: The droplet size distribution in various experimental air-fuel sprays was measured using a holographic method. There was good agreement between upper-limit log-normal velocity distribution functions and the droplet size data. The Sauter mean diameter, maximum droplet diameter, and air-fuel ration were also well represented by the area data. Measurements of burning velocities in the sprays tested were compared with calculated predictions, and the modified fuel sprays produced under wind shear conditions were also calculated.
Report: FAA-RD-76-31 Pages: 39 Size: 1.41 MB
Title: Thermoplastic Polymers For Improved Fire Safety
Author: Demetrius A. Kourtides, John A. Parker, C.J. Hilado
Abstract: The thermochemical and flammability characteristics of some typical thermoplastic materials currently in use and others being considered for use in aircraft interiors are described. The properties studied included (1) thermomechanical properties such as glass transition and melt temperature, (2) changes in polymer enttidlpy by differential scanning calorimetry, (3) thermogravimetric analysis in anaerobic and oxidative environments, (4) oxygen index, (5) smoke evolution, (6) relative toxicity of the volatile products of pyrolysis, and (7) selected physical properties. The generic polymers that were evaluated included: acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, bisphenol A polycarbonate, 9,9 bis (4-hydroxyphenyl) fluorene polycarbonatepoly (dimethylsiloxane) block polymer, phenolphthalein-bisphenol A polycarbonate, phenolphthalein poly carbonate , polyether sulfone, polyphenylene oxide, polyphenylene sulfide, polyaryl sulfone, chlorinated polyvinyl chloride homopolymer, polyvinyl fluoride, and polyvinylidene fluoride. Processing parameters, including molding characteristics of some of the advanced polymers, are described. Test results and relat1ve rankings of some of the flammability, smoke, and toxicity properties are presented. Under these test conditions, some of the advanced polymers evaluated were significantly less flammable and toxic or equivalent to polymers in current use.
Report: NASA TM X 73-185 Pages: 53 Size: 10.5 MB
Title: Aircraft Cabin Compartmentation Concepts For Improving Postcrash Fire Safety
Author: Richard Hill, Paul N. Boris, George R. Johnson
Abstract: Aircraft cabin compartmentation was investigated as a means of increasing escape time for passengers during a postcrash cabin fire. The size and configuration of various partitions and/or curtains were investigated to determine their effectiveness in providing protection from a cabin fire by limiting the spread of heat, smoke, carbon monoxide (C0), and the depletion of oxygen from the vicinity of the fire to other areas of the cabin. The results of these tests indicated that a tightly sealed partition and/or curtain afforded the greatest protection from the spread of a given amount of heat, smoke, C0, and depletion of oxygen. The results also indicated that the use of compatmentation can adversely affect the intensity of a fire in an unclosed area, creating more products of combustion. Except for a limited number of cases, the amount of protection provided by the partition exceeded the increase in fire intensity.
Report: FAA-RD-76-131 Pages: 47 Size: 3.09 MB
Title: Evaluation of a Halon 1301 System for Postcrash Aircraft Internal Cabin Fire Protection
Author: Richard Hill & Paul N. Boris
Abstract: The use of a Halon 1301 fire-suppression system was evaluated in regard to increasing escape time during a ground crash situation with an internal cabin fire. Tests were conducted in a DC7 fuselage varying the exit configuration, and fire size at agent discharge. Smoke, temperature, carbon monoxide, oxygen and Halon 1301 levels were continuously monitored during the tests at various locations throughout the cabin. A sampling system for collecting hydrogen fluoride (HF), Halon 1301�s primary decomposition product, was used. Samples at four locations were taken every 30 seconds, for 5 minutes after discharge. The use of a curtain to inhibit the spread of HF was also examined.

The results indicated that in order to minimize the HF concentration, the fire should be extinguished when its size is as small as possible, and prior to the opening of cabin exits. In order to reduce HF concentrations, the cabin exits should be opened as soon as the fire is extinguished. The use of a curtain to partition the cabin greatly reduced the spread of HF from the fire zone to the protected section.

Tests results also indicated that a system malfunction causing Halon 1301 concentration less than those needed to extinguish a fire could produce very high HF levels. Conversely, a deep-seated fire produced relatively small HF levels
Report: FAA-RD-76-132 Pages: 38 Size: 1.9 MB
Title: Flammability Testing Of FM-9 Modified Fuel
Author: Samuel V. Zinn, Jr.
Abstract: This work was part of an overall program to evaluate modified turbine fuels for their resistance to burning when air sheared. Some recent results of these investigations are stated in Final Report No. FAA-RD-76-109. As a sequel to those findings, this report contains an evaluation of the Imperial Chemical Industries (ICI) FM-9 modified fuel.
Report: FSR-0190 Pages: 7 Size: 869 KB

Search Again

 

Choose the type of search you'd like to perform:
(Use AND or OR to refine your search)

Report Number

Report Title

Author

Keyword *

* This will only search through the Abstract of the reports.

List All Reports