Thermal Response of UHMWPE Materials in a Flash Flame Test Environment
Abstract
Despite excellent ballistic protection properties, Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (UHMWPE) material has generally not been considered for certain applications in protective apparel due to its low melting point. This report describes a research effort to test UHMWPE fabric and composite material in a flash flame environment when protected by a flame-resistant (FR) fabric outer layer. This research was funded and managed through a US Army science and technology program Technology Enabled Capability Demonstration (TeCD): Force Protection Soldier and Small Unit. Testing was conducted at the Natick Soldier Research, Development and Engineering Center (NSRDEC) Ouellette Thermal Test Facility in accordance with the ASTM F1930 Standard Test Method for Evaluation of Flame Resistant Clothing for Protection Against Fire Simulations Using an Instrumented Manikin. Several UHMWPE fabrics were tested underneath an FR fabric outer layer of Tencate Defender M. Prior to fabricating test garments, preliminary flash flame testing was conducted with a midscale test setup, which guided the full-scale thermal manikin test plan. Test garments were fabricated for evaluation on the instrumented thermal test manikin, which included the UHMWPE undergarments (shorts and vest) and an FR fabric coverall as well as the FR Army Combat Uniform (FRACU). All tests were conducted according to ASTM F1930 with a 4-s flame duration calibrated to 84 kW/m2. The UHMWPE undergarments remained intact after all of the flash flame tests. Some distortion of the UHMWPE fabric was observed in localized areas. No melt/drip response was observed in the FR fabric shielded UHMWPE undergarments, and they provided a similar reduction in transmitted heat flux as was measured in tests with cotton undergarments.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Nov 13, 2014
- Accession Number
- ADA614122
Entities
People
- Gary Proulx
- John Fitek
- Margaret Auerbach
- Mike Grady
- Thomas Godfrey
Organizations
- United States Army Soldier Systems Center