Methods for Evaluating Flammability Characteristics of Shipboard Materials
Abstract
A critical review of small-scale flammability tests methods for characterizing the fire performance of materials is presented. An approach is given for developing performance criteria and for controlling the flammability of shipboard materials based on the required full-scale performance. Modern flammability tests provide data which has been demonstrated over a range of applications to provide predictions of full-scale performance. This correlation between small-scale and real-scale performance is accomplished with a combination of empirical correlations, theoretical calculations, and computer- based modeling. The ability to correlate small-scale testing and real-scale performance is relatively recent and follows developments in small-scale testing and modeling. None of the current Navy specifications provide these data, and hence, it is not possible to quantify the benefit of modified or improved materials. In order to provide realistic assessment of current materials and possible shipboard passive fire safety improvements, performance improvements must be quantifiable and related to shipboard requirements. This study proposes methods to accomplish the relationship between material flammability specifications and shipboard performance. Flammability, Test methods, Scaling, Modeling, Fire and passive fire protection.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 28, 1994
- Accession Number
- ADA277279
Entities
People
- C. L. Beyler
- Joseph T. Leonard
- P. J. Dinenno
Organizations
- United States Naval Research Laboratory