EC-18B/Boeing 707 Smoke Venting Flight Test
Abstract
This report presents the results of the Smoke Venting flight test on a USAF C-18, and a modified B-707 aircraft. A 3-in. x 4-in. Smoke Elimination Valve (SEV) was installed in a metal window plug in a fuselage window forward of the wing's leading edge. The SEV consisted of a hinged flat plate that extended out into the slipstream. The local airflow accelerated around the plate, decreasing pressure in the area, creating a draw that pulled smoke from the cabin of the aircraft. The objective of the test was to prove feasibility of the SEV for venting smoke. The aircraft was instrumented with smoke density detecting light meters and a computerized data collection system. First, a baseline test of the aircraft's pressurization and air conditioning system was conducted. Then the SEV was opened to assess its smoke clearing capabilities. Smoke clearing time constants were developed to gauge the system's performance and ranged from 57 to 555 seconds, depending on the test condition. While the SEV did exhaust smoke, complex airflow within the cabin appeared to cause air stagnation in certain areas. This in turn forced the time constants to increase when the SEV was opened, a trend exactly opposite of what was expected. Recommendations were made to re-accomplish the tests using a more realistic scenario, repeat runs to increase reliability of data collected, and use some means to visualize local flow patterns in certain key areas around the cabin. Keywords: Jet transport aircraft pressurization; Smoke venting flight testing; Aircraft fires; Smoke clearing.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 27, 1989
- Accession Number
- ADA206601
Entities
People
- Daniel J. Mokris