Marjorie W. Sandholzer

In recent years, decided advances have been made in the development of durable flame proofing treatments for textiles, with the work largely directed toward meeting the needs of the military services. The treatments developed have found civilian application primarily in the field of interior furnishings in the execution of large decorating contracts, such as in hotels, theaters, and ships, Flame proofed fabrics have not been offered generally to the public at the retail level and it appeared that information regarding the effects of available treatments on fabrics suitable for clothing and other home purposes would be useful.

In the present study seven different flame proofing treatments were applied to 20- to 25-yard pieces taken from one or more of five selected fabrics. The original and flame proofed fabrics were tested for flame resistance by three different methods, for breaking strength, and for tearing strength. The fabrics were also laundered repeatedly and tested by the same methods to show the durability of the flame proofing in laundering. The materials and procedures used are described, and the results obtained are discussed in this paper.

Constantine P. Sarkos

The use of a Halon 1301 fire-suppression system was evaluated in regard to increasing occupant escape time during a ground crash situation with an external fire adjacent to a cabin opening. Tests were conducted in a DC7 fuselage, varying the exit configurations and external wind conditions. Tests were also conducted using a curtain to compartmentize the cabin, with the Halon 1301 concentration and location of discharge being varied. Smoke, temperature, carbon monoxide, oxygen and Halon 1301 levels were continuously monitored during the tests at various locations throughout the cabin. Hydrogen fluoride (HF) and hydrogen bromide (HBr) concentrations were obtained by analyzing samples taken from the cabin at various times. The results indicted that the length of protection from flame penetration through an opening was department upon external wind conditions. Flame penetration was controlled for up to 3.5 minutes with zero wind, but a wind of as little as 2 miles per hour (mi/h), the time was reduced to less than 15 seconds. High HF levels were rapidly inside the cabin, with concentrations ranging from 60 parts per million (p/m), with no wind, to well over 300 p/m with 2-mi/h wind conditions. Test results also indicated that the use of a curtain to compartment the cabin could slow the spread of HF (15 to 20 seconds), but it does not lower the levels

S.L. Hartford

Polyamides are one of a growing number of classes of thermosetting resins which offer very high thermal stability and high temperature mechanical strength.

Federal Aviation Administration

The Airport and Airway Safety and Capacity Expansion Act of 1987, Public Law (P.L.) 100-223 was signed by President Reagan on December 30, 1987, and directed the Secretary of Transportation, in Section 303, subsection (e), to conduct a study pertaining to aircraft design and equipment which minimize the incidence of fire or explosion, including fuel tanks (including crash resistant inner fuel tanks and breakaway, self-closing fittings throughout the fuel system). A report on the results of this study, together with recommendations, is to be transmitted to Congress no later than December 30, 1988.

This report describes the study conducted by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for the Secretary of Transportation in response to P.L. 100-223. The focus of the study is on systems and techniques for reducing the incidence of post-crash fuel system fires and explosions. The study does not address in-flight fires and explosions. This is in accordance with the intent of Congress as expressed by Senator Howard M. Metzenbaum in his letter of December 11, 1987, to Mr. T. Allan McArtor, Administrator of the FAA. In his letter, Senator Metzenbaum stated that "the legislation as agreed to in conference directs the FAA to study possible aircraft designs, including crash-resistant fuel tanks and break-away fuel lines, which could help to reduce the risk of post-crash fires." Senator Metzenbaum repeated this intent of Congress in his comments published in the Congressional Record of December 17, 1987, wherein he said that ".the conferees agreed to have the FAA study the feasibility of using technologies such as crash-resistant fuel tanks and break-away fuel lines to reduce the incidence of post-crash fires."

The study covers the feasibility of fuel system post-crash fire safety improvements for transport category airplanes, general aviation airplanes, rotor craft and tilt rotor aircraft. Past and present regulatory initiatives and research and development programs are described and conclusions and recommendations are presented for each type of aircraft.

Paul N. Boris

The purpose of the tests described herein was to determine the temperature profile behind a hole through a flame barrier when subjected to the flame of the standard 2-gallon per hour (GPH) burner, and pan fire. The effect of hole diameter on temperature profile was investigated. These tests were intended to simulate an aircraft fire impinging upon a cargo liner with an as-designed opening.