Damage Caused to Polyurethane Foams by Aging, Simulated Sunlight Exposure, Heat and Fire

Abstract

Damage caused to reticulated polyurethane foams by aging (in air and liquid fuel), simulated sunlight exposure, hot wire cutting, hot air impingement, flame impingement, and sustained burning was investigated. The experiments simulated all conceivable types of environmental and unplanned exposure of these foams when used as explosion suppressant materials in aircraft fuel systems. Both polyether- and polyester-based polyurethanes were used. It was demonstrated that the physical appearance of foams is often indicative of past exposure. A detailed photographic record of exposed specimens was obtained. The compilation of photographs, in conjunction with written description of damage, will serve as a reference for aircraft and fire accident investigators.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jul 01, 1984
Accession Number
ADA152040

Entities

People

  • Leo Parts
  • T. A. Hogan
  • T. J. Condron

Organizations

  • Monsanto

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Air Platforms
  • Engineered Resilient Systems

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Absorption Spectra
  • Accidents
  • Alkenes
  • Combustion
  • Fire Protection
  • Fires
  • Fuel Additives
  • Fuel Systems
  • Fuel Tanks
  • Infrared Spectra
  • Light Sources
  • Materials
  • Materials Laboratories
  • Materials Testing
  • Microscopes
  • Spectra
  • Tensile Strength

Fields of Study

  • Environmental science

Readers

  • Aviation Safety Risk Assessment.
  • Combustion and Flow Dynamics.
  • Polymer Science and Engineering.