EFFECT OF GROUND CRASH FIRE ON AIRCRAFT FUSELAGE INTEGRITY
Abstract
A mathematical model was formulated which permits a calculation to be made of the time required for damage to occur to the aluminum skin covering an aircraft fuselage when it is exposed to maximum spill fire conditions. The damage time was defined as the time required for the aluminum skin to melt. The model was developed through consideration of the heat transfer rates by convection and radiation across a simplified aircraft fuselage configuration. The resulting differential equation was solved using a numerical technique. The results indicate that the minimum time required for skin damage to occur to the largest commercial aircraft now in service is less than 40 seconds. The fuselage damage time predictions, made through the use of the mathematical model, correspond closely with measurements made on simulated aircraft skin configurations employing a 40-foot, stainless-steel-covered section of a four- engine jet aircraft fuselage.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 1969
- Accession Number
- AD0698806
Entities
People
- George B. Geyer