A.T. Peacock, R.F. Hazelton, L.S. Gresko, L.D. Christensen

The rheological and physical properties of four gelled and three emulsified turbine fuels were evaluated. One gelled and one emulsified fuel were selected for further test and analysis in a compatibility study with a four engine commercial jet transport aircraft fuel system. Full scale testing of system components was performed. Penalties and problem areas associated with using the fuels were identified by an analysis of the fuel system. A full-scale ground test program to evaluate an aircraft fuel system's performance on thickened fuels was outlined. Results show signjficant decreases in available fuel and large increases in system weights are associated with the use of the thickened fuels described. Substantial fuel development is indicated before application to commercial aircraft.

A.T. Peacock

The investigation described in this paper were primarily funded by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Contributions from independent studies by the Douglas Aircraft Co. have been offered to enhance the final results of the continuing FAA investigations into the use of gelled and emulsified fuels for reducing the hazards of fuel fires caused by aircraft crashes.

C.P. Sarkos

To experimentally determine if fuselage sections backed with rigid foams will increase the burn-through time from an external fuel fire to the cabin interior. Also, to determine what effect the foam’s decomposition products will have on the ambient conditions within the cabin.

John F. Marcy

The test program was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of Flourel as a coating for increasing the fire resistance of aluminum skin to a kerosene fuel fire.

Edward Lopez

Due to the increase emphasis on flight safety and crashworthiness of high-capacity transports, an extensive program has been conducted on the flammability resistance and smoke emission characteristics of over 200 aircraft interior materials. Techniques have been developed to compare the flaming resistance of fire retardant materials under ambient and increased temperatures, zero ventilation compared to various airflows, and a combination of both variables. Results indicate the flammability resistance of most fire retardant fibrous materials decreases with an increase in surrounding temperatures, while several fail to be self extinguishing.