Passenger Flow Rates between Compartments: Straight-Segmented Stairways, Spiral Stairways, and Passageways with Restricted Vision and Changes of Attitude
Abstract
Data are presented from 210 trials to compare movement up and down spiral and straight-segmented stairways simulating the stairs in multideck transport aircraft, up and down spiral and straight-segmented industrial-type stairways, fore and aft through a passageway enclosed on one side, and fore and aft through a passageway enclosed on both sides. The Civil Aeromedical Institute evacuation simulator was positioned to represent degrees of pitch and roll similar to those encountered in accidents as a result of landing gear failure. Tests were conducted in regular cabin lighting, reduced cabin lighting, reduced cabin lighting with subjects wearing goggles simulating smoke conditions, and artificial smoke conditions. Results indicate that an enclosed passageway enables more rapid movement from one compartment to another than does a passageway enclosed on only one side. Straight-segmented stairways allowed more efficient movement from one level to another than did spiral stairs. Subjects were more cautious in the tests that involved wearing smoke goggles than in any of the other conditions.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 1978
- Accession Number
- ADA051485
Entities
People
- D. L. Lowrey
- D. W. Pollard
- J. D. Garner
- J. G. Blethrow
Organizations
- Federal Aviation Administration