Airplane Systems Modifications for Improved Cabin Smoke Evacuation
Abstract
Two concepts for improved aircraft in-flight evacuation were analyzed and tested. The concept definition and evaluation efforts involved an additional ventilation outflow valve on the aircraft underside along with either increased ventilation air volume from the engine compressors or a supplemental ram air supply. Subsequent test aircraft modification involved addition of a pressure controlling outflow valve on top of the fuselage and upgraded engine bleed air volume flow for cabin air-conditioning. Ground and flight tests were conducted on a test B757 with buoyant and nonbuoyant theatrical smokes generated continuously in various places in the passenger cabin. Buoyant smoke could be localized only when generated in the vicinity of the upper lobe outflow valve, whether the valve was on the top or bottom of the fuselage. The buoyant smoke was formulated to have the same type flow behavior as a plume from the visible flames of a burning surface. The nonbuoyant smoke might be more representative of a smoldering material. (KR)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 1990
- Accession Number
- ADA228656
Entities
People
- Thor I. Eklund
Organizations
- Federal Aviation Administration