THE EFFECTS OF 100% OXYGEN AT REDUCED PRESSURE ON THE IGNITIBILITY AND COMBUSTIBILITY OF MATERIALS.
Abstract
An investigation was conducted to determine the effect of prolonged exposure to an atm of 100% oxygen at a pressure of 258 mm. Hg on the fire hazards associated with space cabin materials. The ignitibility and combustibility of standard reference materials and samples of materials normally found in space cabin simulators were determined both before and after a 30-day exposure to such an O2 atmosphere. The experimental results show that flame spreads over the surfaces of materials much faster in the 258 mm. Hg O2 atmosphere than in air. Some materials which would not sustain combustion in air burned vigorously in the O2 atmosphere. Prolonged storage in the O2 atmosphere had no appreciable effect on the flame spread rate. However, the geometry and composition of the material influenced this rate significantly. No major differences were found in the energies required for ignition of materials in air, in O2, or after storage in O2. Proper selection of materials used in construction of space cabins and simulators can significantly reduce fire hazards. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 1965
- Accession Number
- AD0477338
Entities
People
- Clayton Huggett
- Guenther Von Elbe
- Jay Grossman
- Wilburt Haggerty
Organizations
- ARCO