D. Gross

Results are reported of three burnout tests in an experimental test building, using a wood crib fuel load of 6 lb/ft and a structural design load radiation, smoke, gas composition and deflection. A discussion of the fire performance of materials and methods of construction, and conclusions with regard to specific fire-protective objectives are presented.

J.M. Kuchta

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

John F. Marcy

A study of combustion characteristics of aircraft cabin interior materials was made to establish the relative fire hazards inherent in aircraft. Standard laboratory tests were conducted on each of the cabin interior materials used in a four engine civil transport to determine their flammability, smoke and toxic characteristics. In addition to the laboratory tests, fire test were conducted “in situ” inside an airplane fuselage at different locations to determine the relative ease with which the materials would ignite and burn. In these tests, time for self-ignition, rapidity of flame spread, extent of burned area, smoke and toxic gas produced were obtained for various sizes of ignition sources with and without normal ventilation.

A study revealed that the most important factor affecting the degree of fire hazard present inside an aircraft cabin was the flammability of the material in which fire originates. It was that materials, which fire, originates. It was shown that materials which have superior self-extinguishing properties are poor ignition sources and confer a high degree of fire protection to the aircraft interior. In the large-scale fire tests, it was shown that interior materials used in a passenger cabin can produce a flash fire with little or no warning. Heat, smoke and toxic gases generated by the fire up to about the time of the flash fire were low compared to human survival limits.

Walter Kidde Company

The characteristics and effectiveness of Hi-Ex Foam were shown in the NAFEC R&D test area by Walter Kidde Company on November 5, 1965. There were three parts to the demonstration. The first was to show the process of generating the Hi-Ex Foam and its physical characteristics. The second was to demonstrate its ability to extinguish a cargo fire in the C-130 fuselage and the third, a seat fire in the DC-7 fuselage.

Bruce Ekelund

Materials List