Low Fuel Load Flammability Work Steve Summer Project

Low Fuel Load Flammability Work Steve Summer Project Engineer Federal Aviation Administration Fire Safety Branch, AAR-440 IASFPWG – Grenoble, France International Aircraft Systems Fire Protection Working Group Grenoble, France June 21 -22, 2004 6/22/04

Objective Ø Previous tests have shown that in order to see a significant decrease in flammability, the mass loading of the tank must be driven down to 0. 25 kg/m 3 or less. Ø If it were feasible to do this though, would fuel leaking in from other tanks be counterproductive to the flammability reduction. IASFPWG – Grenoble, France 6/22/04

Apparatus Ø Utilizing same tank as was used in the fuel condensation modeling work. Ø Peristaltic pump used to pump fresh fuel into tank such that it sprays in at far side and traverses the entire bottom of the tank. Ø Fuel inside of tank is continuously drained at approximately the same rate that fresh fuel is entering. Ø Bottom heater temperature is maintained at 180ºF for 1. 5 hours. IASFPWG – Grenoble, France 6/22/04

Apparatus Fuel Spray Drain IASFPWG – Grenoble, France 6/22/04

Preliminary Results Tests Conducted with a mass loading of approximately 6. 6 kg/m 3 and a recirculation flow rate of approximately 0. 3 LPM IASFPWG – Grenoble, France 6/22/04

Ongoing Testing Ø Testing is currently being conducted at nearly empty fuel loads and varying flow rates. Ø Further results to be presented at conference in Lisbon, November 2004. IASFPWG – Grenoble, France 6/22/04