Application of Thermochemical Modeling to Aircraft Interior Polymeric Materials.
Abstract
This report summarizes the results from a twelve-month study of the feasibility of applying certain basic concepts in the thermochemical modeling to aircraft cabin fire safety. The concepts developed earlier on a NASA-sponsored program were applied to six specific tasks dealing with the thermochemical performance of interior carpets and seat cushions. The specific objective was to predict the burning rate as a function of the material property values, geometry and heat flux; more important, it was the aim to predict and provide rationale for certain special features that have been experimentally observed by the FAA. It was also the specific objective to introduce new concepts that have not been the subject of pursuit at other centers. That is, the novel concepts developed at JPL were highlighted. Three fundamental hypotheses were introduced; the condensed phase degradation of the polymeric material is the overall rate-limiting step; the extent of degradation at the vaporization step (at the surface) is not arbitary but has to be specified by a scientific criterion such as the vapor pressure equilibrium criterion; and the diffusion/mixing of the pyrolysis products with the oxidizer (air) is the rate-limiting step in the vapor phase combustion.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 1982
- Accession Number
- ADA120679
Entities
People
- Kumar Ramohalli
- Won Dokko
Organizations
- Jet Propulsion Laboratory