Composite Fuselage Firefighting Issues International Aircraft Materials Fire

Composite Fuselage Firefighting Issues International Aircraft Materials Fire Test Working Group Naples, FL 4 Mar 2009 By Doug Dierdorf, Ph. D. Principle Scientist Applied Research Associates, Inc

Extinguishing Burning Composite OBJECTIVE: • Determine the best method and agents to quickly and efficiently extinguish a variety of aircraft composites. APPROACH: • Evaluate existing agents (Class A Foam, AFFF, heat absorbing gels) and applications techniques (such as UHP) to identify the most effective method to extinguish fires involving large amounts of composites. • Use standardized composite samples of carbon/epoxy carbon BMI composites • Use standard sized fire • Orient the composites in both horizontal and vertical configurations • Evaluating the effects of wicking fuel into delaminated composite layers. Expanding the Realm of Possibility

Define Test Fire OBJECTIVE: • n Key Features l Reproducible Determine the best method and agents to quickly and efficiently extinguish a variety of aircraft composites. APPROACH: • Evaluate existing agents (Class A Foam, AFFF, heat absorbing gels) and applications techniques (such as UHP) to identify the most effective method to extinguish fires involving large amounts of composites. Cost Effective • Use standardized composite samples of carbon/epoxy carbon BMI composites l Realistic • Use standard sized fire • Orient the composites in both n “Robust” Fire horizontal and vertical configurations • Evaluating the effects of wicking fuel l Difficult to Suppress into delaminated composite layers. l Susceptible to reignition l Test of Agents and Application Technologies l l Not a test of Material! Expanding the Realm of Possibility

Pre-Burn n Defined by response time l How soon is the first truck on scene and fighting fires l Three to Five Minutes Expanding the Realm of Possibility

Composite Burn n Survivable Crashes l Rescue Crews must be able to enter aircraft safely l Interior fires must be extinguished and reignition prevented Expanding the Realm of Possibility

Composite Extinguished n Assess Damage to Composite l Residual strength l Hazard to rescue crew and disabled passenger Expanding the Realm of Possibility

Initial Sample Concept 1/8 - 3/16” ½ - ¾” 6” 3’ 2’ Custom Fabricated Sample n Simulate Aircraft Component n Cost estimate $6, 000 to $7, 000 ea @ 100 units n Expanding the Realm of Possibility

Low Cost Components n n Sheets, rods, tubes and gussets Fabricate Structures Control Loading Control Shape Effect of Adhesive? ▲ n ▲ ▲ Four Point Bend Loading Built-up Stringer Expanding the Realm of Possibility ▲

Component Based Design 2’ X 3’ X 1/8” Carbon/Epoxy Sheet Pressure Bars for Four Point Bending Load Preliminary Concept Drawing Expanding the Realm of Possibility