Evaluation of Submarine Hydraulic System Explosion and Fire Hazards

Abstract

Although hydraulic fluids are generally considered to be low flammable liquids, it is known that they can be highly flammable and even explosive in the atomized state. Because submarine hydraulic systems operate at high pressures, it is possible that mists could be produced in the event of a system leak. Large-scale tests were conducted aboard the ex-USS Shadwell test platform, under realistic temperature and pressure conditions, to evaluate the magnitude of the hazards. It was found that a significant fire and explosion potential does exist under conditions typical of normal hydraulic system operations.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Sep 29, 2005
Accession Number
ADA441229

Entities

People

  • Frederic W. Williams
  • Heather Willauer
  • Jean L. Bailey
  • John B. Hoover

Organizations

  • United States Naval Research Laboratory

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Cameras
  • Chemistry
  • Combustion
  • Data Acquisition
  • Dielectric Gases
  • Explosions
  • Explosives
  • Fire Hazards
  • Fluids
  • Fuel Systems
  • Hazards
  • Heat Of Combustion
  • Hydraulic Fluids
  • Ships
  • Submarines
  • Test And Evaluation
  • Test Facilities

Readers

  • Explosive Engineering.
  • Fire Suppression Systems Design.
  • Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) Technology.