Ignition and Fire Suppression in Aerospace Vehicles
Abstract
Several halogenated hydrocarbons were evaluated as possible ignition or explosion suppressants for aircraft fuel tanks in which ignitions are initiated by incendiary ammunition. The inhibitors included Halons 2402 (C2F4Br2), 1301 (CF3Br), 1202 (CF2Br2), 1211 (CF2ClBr), and 1011 (CH2ClBr). Their effectiveness in retarding ignition or propagation of n-pentane-air mixtures was investigated with heated wires, exploding wires, and an incendiary composition. Large-scale experiments were conducted with Halon 1301 to determine its effectiveness and toxicity hazard in extinguishing Class A fires by the total flooding mode. A 6 percent Halon concentration was adequate for rapid extinguishment of cotton sheeting, paper sheeting, and nylon-paper sheeting fires. The toxic product formation varied with preburn time, combustible loading, and the extinguisher discharge mode. In addition, similar data are presented from small-scale experiments with Halon 38 (C3F8), which is less effective than Halon 1301 as an extinguishant.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 1971
- Accession Number
- AD0737383
Entities
People
- George H. Martindill
- Irving Spolan
- Joseph M. Kuchta
- Ralph J. Cato