THERMAL HARDENING CONSIDERATIONS PERTAINING TO RESIDENTIAL AREAS.
Abstract
The incendiary effects of thermal radiation from nuclear weapons on residential areas is considered. It is concluded that a hazard does exist and that the most desirable means of protection is to make the exposed materials ignition resistant. This has the benefit of providing fire protection in peace-time as well as in war and has a better chance of public acceptance. While some fireproof fabrics and flame retardant treatments for cotton and other materials are now available, there are drawbacks which hinder their universal acceptance. The development of new and improved methods of treatment depend upon an improved knowledge of the mechanisms of pyrolysis and ignition and a more fundamental understanding of the action of effective retardants. A discussion of some of the features of the pyrolysis, and ignition of cellulose and the action of flame retardants that are of importance in the thermal hardening problem is presented. Some experiments which may help to elucidate these processes are suggested. It is recommended that various fire retardant treatments including presently used chemical flame retardants, halogen flame inhibitors, preheating treatments, and exposure to ionizing radiation be evaluated in terms of the protection that they might provide against the thermal radiation from nuclear weapons. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 06, 1966
- Accession Number
- AD0635250
Entities
People
- William J. Parker
Organizations
- Naval Radiological Defense Laboratory