D. Gross

This report describes experiments performed over a period of several years to obtain fundamental information on the burning characteristics of cross piles of wood.

A.F. Robertson

The flammability of solids may be considered as a function of the ratio of heat release rate to critical ignition energy of the material being studied. The radiant panel flammability test method, based on the concept, has shown its usefulness as a research tool. A review of previous studies made by this method is included.

Recently obtained experimental data are presented which illustrate the large changes in flammability that can occur with changes in the relative humidity of the ambient conditioning atmosphere. Data presented suggest that the subsurface heat dissipation behavior of the material under test may have an important influence on flammability.

The paper concludes with the suggestion that, although the radiant panel flammability test method has achieved some recognition, it would be a mistake to assume that it, or any other test method would be ideal for prediction of the surface flammability hazard of all materials in all situations.

George Prill

This release transmits, as Amendment A, acceptable test procedure for demonstrating compliance with the fire protection requirements as they relate to airframe materials.

Marjorie Sandholzer

A group of ten fabrics, similar in construction and weight but each knit from a different textile fiber, were subjected to three established textile flame tests and to a test designed to measure the heat transferred from a burning fabric to a heat adjacent surface. Because of the pronounced difference in response to heat and in burning behavior between the fabrics of natural fibers and those of synthetic fibers, valid comparisons between fabrics of the two types were difficult. The fabrics of natural fibers in the group were placed in the order of wool, cotton, and viscose rayon on the basis of increasing burning rate, as indicated by the three methods used. Two synthetic fabrics, Dynel and Dacron did not support combustion in any of the tests; the others showed burning rates in range comparable to that for the fabrics of natural fibers. The heat transferred to an adjacent surface varied with the fiber and construction of the material and as registered by the method employed, appeared to range from approximately 20-50 percent of the heat produced by the burning fabric.

D. Gross, J.J. Loftus

Flame spread indices for twelve cellular plastic foams, including fire-retardant treated and untreated polyurethane foams, are reported. There appear to be no serious drawbacks to the use of the radiant panel test method for evaluating surface flammability of cellular plastic foams. Discussion is included on the use slightly modified data techniques in particular applications.