Extinguishing Ammunition Fires
Abstract
It is generally conceded that ammunition fires are the main reason for the total loss of armored vehicles in combat. We are investigating methods of extinguishing these fires. We have thus far demonstrated that it is possible to extinguish propellant fires by the use of conventional extinguishing agents. Since propellant is the principal combustible in ammunition compartments and other storage places, this opens up the possibility of controlling ammunition fires. We have achieved the following results: (1) In the event of an ignition of a propellant bed, we can detect the fire and activate extinguishers in about 30 milliseconds. It is necessary to cool the burning solid in order to fully quench the fire. Water based foams have been successfully used for this purpose. The water cools the burning material while the expansion of volume due to the foaming additive allows greater coverage from a given amount of extinguishant. Use of an additional extinguisher containing Halon 1301 allows even quicker extinuishment of the fire. (2) In the event of a shaped charge jet attack on a cartridge case containing M30 propellant, we can save 2 of the orignial 4 kg of M30, using both water based foam and Halon 1301. In addition, the propellant that burns does so inefficiently with greatly reduced intensity. A lot of the heat liberated is absorbed by the water. The propellant burn would probably not be catastrophic to either vehicle or crew members.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 01, 1982
- Accession Number
- ADA116865
Entities
People
- Anthony E. Finnerty
Organizations
- Ballistic Research Laboratory