Browse Topic: Fire detection

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Fire Resistant Container Design, Performance, and Testing RequirementsAS8992 (Current)10/27/2020
This Aerospace Standard (AS) specifies the minimum design and performance criteria and testing methods of passive fire resistant containers (FRCs) used either: a In those cargo compartments of civil transport aircraft where they constitute one means of complying with applicable airworthiness regulations, or b On a voluntary basis, when deemed appropriate by operators to improve fire protection in aircraft cargo compartments where airworthiness regulations do not mandate their use.
AGE-2 Air Cargo
Test Method for Aerospace Firewall Sealant Flame PenetrationAS5127/2C (Historical)7/7/2020
This SAE Aerospace Standard (AS) describes the test methods to determine the flammability performance and capability to control the passage of, and effects from, fire on aircraft firewall sealing compounds. The methods are based requirements of FAR Part 25 Sections 25.865, 25.867, 25.1191, and 25.1193 and may be used to demonstrate compliance with the requirements established by FAA AC 20-135. This standard shall be used in conjunction with applicable material specifications.
AMS G9 Aerospace Sealing Committee
Fire Containment Cover - Operation and UseARP6905 (Current)4/23/2020
This SAE Aerospace Recommended Practice (ARP) provides guidelines for the effective operation and use of fire containment covers (FCCs). Technical Standard Orders (TSOs) C203 and C90e (and later revisions) incorporate AS6453, and provide the Minimum Performance Standards (MPS) for an FCC design. The net and pallet used with the FCC must be approved using the updated net and flammability requirements in TSO C90e and later revisions. However, fire containment performance also requires this equipment is properly used. Fire safety is compromised when FCCs are used in an inadequate manner.
AGE-2 Air Cargo
Laser-Based System Detects Fires Even in Dusty, Harsh EnvironmentsTBMG-357561/1/2020
Researchers have developed a new laser-based system that offers an efficient and low-cost way to detect fires in challenging environments such as industrial facilities or large construction sites. With further development, the system could eventually detect fires that are more than a kilometer away. It could be used in a variety of industries such as waste management facilities, power supply plants, food processing factories, and textile factories.
Products of Tomorrow: December 2019TBMG-3570712/1/2019
This column presents technologies that have applications in commercial areas, possibly creating the products of tomorrow. To learn more about each technology, see the contact information provided for that innovation.
NIST/NASA Study Shows One Detector Doesn't Fit All for Smoke in SpacecraftTBMG-328729/1/2018
What had been a peaceful and productive mission for the six men aboard the Russian space station Mir, including U.S. astronaut Jerry Linenger, nearly became a tragic nightmare during the evening of Feb. 24, 1997. A lithium-perchlorate canister, designed to generate oxygen via a chemical reaction, suddenly burst into flames when activated. Although the fire was quickly subdued, a dense, life-threatening smoke — different in form and movement from its gravity-bound counterpart on Earth — rapidly filled the station. Being confined in a limited area 360 kilometers (224 miles) above the nearest fire brigade made the situation even more precarious.
Advanced Data Acquisition Technology Improves Global Weather PredictionsTBMG-288415/1/2018
Northrop Grumman Corporation Azusa, CA
Gas Sensors with Contact PadsTBMG-261561/1/2017
Innovators at NASA’s Glenn Research Center have developed advanced hydrogen and hydrocarbon gas sensors capable of detecting leaks, monitoring emissions, and providing in situ measurements of gas composition and pressure. These compact, rugged sensors can be used to optimize combustion and lower emissions, and they are designed to withstand harsh, high-temperature environments (e.g., silicon carbide (SiC) sensors can operate at 600 °C). NASA Glenn is actively seeking industrial partners to develop and apply these cutting-edge sensors cooperatively in new applications.
Fire Protection in Military Ground Vehicles2016-01-14044/5/2016
Fire protection, active and passive, has been, and is, an important area of concern during the design, development and deployment phases for all modern ground vehicles. All US military vehicles carry handheld fire extinguishers, and many tactical and all combat vehicles have automatic fire protection systems that protect the crew, engine, and in some cases, external components such as fuel tanks and wheels, from potentially catastrophic combat events involving fire. Vehicle designs also mitigate fire hazards by separating the vehicle occupants from the most flammable materials, e.g., fuel and ammunition, as much as practical. Explosion protection of the crew and passengers in military vehicles is a unique application with unique requirements that must balance suppression actions with safety limits. This paper presents an overview of general guidelines related to protecting military ground vehicle crews from injury due to fire, and lessons learned from the experiences of fielded systems.
Hodges, Steven E.
Safety Considerations - Smoking in Lavatories of Transport AircraftARP4740A (Current)2/24/2016
This ARP addresses the issue of passengers smoking in aircraft lavatories and the need to improve warnings about the danger of fire caused by smoking.
S-9B Cabin Interiors and Furnishings Committee
Fabrication of Single-Mode, Distributed-Feedback, Interband Cascade LasersTBMG-216453/1/2015
Type-II interband cascade lasers (ICLs) based on the GaSb material system represent an enabling technology for laser absorption spectroscopy in the 3-to-5-μm wavelength range. Instruments operating in this spectral regime can precisely match strong absorption lines of several gas molecules of interest in atmospheric science and environmental monitoring, specifically methane, ethane, other alkanes, and inorganic gases. Compared with non-semiconductor-based laser technologies, ICLs can be made more compact and power efficient, ultimately leading to more portable, robust, and manufacturable spectroscopy instruments.
Miniaturized Schottky Diode Sensors for Hydrogen and Hydrocarbon Detection at High TemperaturesTBMG-2067610/1/2014
A miniaturized Schottky diode hydrogen and hydrocarbon sensor with the structure of catalytic metal-metal oxide-silicon carbide (SiC) has been developed. The major innovation of this work is the use of the metal oxide, palladium oxide (PdOx), as a barrier layer between the catalytic metal and the SiC in the gas-sensing structure. A major advantage of adding a PdOx barrier layer between the gate metal and the SiC is to prevent and alleviate chemical reactions between the gate metal and the SiC. Without the PdOx barrier layer, the gate metal and the substrate can easily form metal silicides at high temperature, leading to diode structure disruption. The metal oxide barrier layer can be incorporated into a gas-sensing structure by standard deposition techniques in a controlled manner. This oxide naturally forms with Pd in Pd-based gas sensor systems and can disrupt the gas sensor structure when formed in situ in an uncontrolled manner. However, purposely including this oxide in the Schottky barrier structure produces a stable barrier layer that enables a stable and sensitive gas sensor structure.
Global Fire Detection ConstellationTBMG-2073010/1/2014
Wildfires that start in backcountry areas sometimes burn for hours before being detected and reported. Satellites offer a vantage point from which infrared sensors can detect fires. Individual satellites in low Earth orbit (LEO) offer infrequent overpasses, making the delay from ignition to detection unacceptably long. Geostationary satellites offer a platform from which to maintain a round-the-clock vigil, but lack geographic precision, and cannot detect a rather small fire within a large pixel definitively above noise.
Intensity-Calibrated Hydrogen Flame SpectrumTBMG-203228/1/2014
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) uses large quantities of liquid hydrogen and has expended significant effort in the development, testing, installation, and maintenance of hydrogen fire detectors based on ultraviolet, near-infrared, mid-infrared, and/or far-infrared flame emission bands. Yet, prior to this work, there was no intensity-calibrated broadband hydrogen-air flame spectrum in the literature, making it difficult to compare the merits of different radiation-based hydrogen fire detectors.
Test Method for Aerospace Firewall Sealant Flame PenetrationAS5127/2B (Historical)5/6/2014
This SAE Aerospace Standard (AS) describes the procedures for the flammability testing of aircraft firewall sealants in accordance with the requirements of FAR Part 25 Sections 25.865, 25.867, 25.1191, and 25.1193. This test method is intended to determine the capability of sealant materials to control the passage of and effects from fire.
AMS G9 Aerospace Sealing Committee
2013 Create the Future Design: Machinery & Equipment Category WinnerTBMG-1774511/1/2013
Erik Herold, Jason Ethier, and Ivan Wang Dynamo Micropower, Boston, MA
Review of Canadian Flight Deck and Cabin Smoke and Fire Incidents: 2001-20102013-01-23079/17/2013
This paper presents a review of the flight deck and cabin fire and smoke incidents reported to the Canadian airworthiness authorities over a ten year span. The fire and smoke related diversions are categorized to identify areas where efforts could be increased to improve safety. The costs of diversions are estimated to identify areas where operators could reduce costs by seeking technologies to reduce the number of diversions without any impact on safety. Only twenty-eight investigation reports into fire and smoke incidents onboard aircraft have been published over the past three decades. These reports are not sufficient to identify areas where operators can reduce their operating costs. The Canadian airworthiness authorities received over 1,000 smoke and fire incidents from the years 2001 to 2010, of which, over 680 reported fire and smoke in the flight deck and cabin compartments for various makes and models of aircraft. Some of these flight deck and cabin incidents were related to in-flight entertainment or galley systems that were remedied while in-flight and did not require a diversion in most cases. The remaining incidents were found to be related to ingestion of oil, de-icing fluids and equipment and electrical failures that, in many cases, prompted the pilots to declare an emergency and divert. This paper categorizes the flight deck and cabin related fire and smoke incidents to suggest specific areas for airframers and operators to focus their efforts in reducing flight diversions that will not only reduce costs, but improve safety.
Lebbin, Paul
Test Method for Fire Suppression Systems in Bus and Coach Engine Compartments2013-01-02084/8/2013
This paper presents a recently developed method meant to act as a tool for objectively assessing and comparing the performance of automatic fire suppression systems. This methodology specifies requirements and procedures for evaluating the efficiency and performance of automatic fire suppression systems permanently installed in the engine compartments of buses and coaches. The testing is done according to SP method 4912 and carried out in a test enclosure where the fire performance of different suppression systems can be objectively assessed in a well-defined way. The test methodology includes a battery of fire tests simulating different engine loads, air flows and fire scenarios. Every tested system is rated according to its performance. The test method also includes testing of re-ignition due to hot surface ignition of liquid fuels.
Brandt, Jonas, Modin, Håkan, Rosen, Fredrik, Försth, Michael, Ochoterena, Raúl
Test Method for Aerospace Firewall Sealant Flame PenetrationAS5127/2A (Historical)3/20/2013
This SAE Aerospace Standard (AS) describes the procedures for the flammability testing of aircraft firewall sealants in accordance with the requirements of FAR Part 25 Sections 25.865, 25.867, 25.1191, and 25.1193. This test method is intended to determine the capability of sealant materials to control the passage of and effects from fire.
AMS G9 Aerospace Sealing Committee
Multiple-Frame Detection of Subpixel Targets in Thermal Image SequencesTBMG-154951/1/2013
The new technology in this approach combines the subpixel detection information from multiple frames of a sequence to achieve a more sensitive detection result, using only the information found in the images themselves. It is taken as a constraint that the method is automated, robust, and computationally feasible for field networks with constrained computation and data rates. This precludes simply downloading a video stream for pixel-wise co-registration on the ground. It is also important that this method not require precise knowledge of sensor position or direction, because such information is often not available. It is also assumed that the scene in question is approximately planar, which is appropriate for a high-altitude airborne or orbital view.
Detection of Carbon Monoxide Using Polymer-Composite Films With a Porphyrin-Functionalized PolypyrroleTBMG-138876/1/2012
Post-fire air constituents that are of interest to NASA include CO and some acid gases (HCl and HCN). CO is an important analyte to be able to sense in human habitats since it is a marker for both pre-fire detection and post-fire cleanup.
Onboard Science and Applications Algorithm for Hyperspectral Data ReductionTBMG-138586/1/2012
An onboard processing mission concept is under development for a possible Direct Broadcast capability for the HyspIRI mission, a Hyperspectral remote sensing mission under consideration for launch in the next decade. The concept would intelligently spectrally and spatially subsample the data as well as generate science products onboard to enable return of key rapid response science and applications information despite limited downlink bandwidth. This rapid data delivery concept focuses on wildfires and volcanoes as primary applications, but also has applications to vegetation, coastal flooding, dust, and snow/ice applications.
The Development of a Standard Test for Assessing the Effectiveness of Transit Vehicle Fire Extinguishing Systems2012-01-09864/16/2012
Few standard approval tests exist for fire extinguishing systems for commercial vehicles, such as transit vehicles, coaches etc. Therefore, a representative test article has been constructed to evaluate the fire extinguishing performance of current in-house fire protection systems. This data will then be used as a benchmark against which the performance of future fire extinguishing systems can be judged. The test article is a fire-hardened simulation of a rear-engine transit bus. Several fire locations are used, in two configurations: “small” and “large”. The former encompasses diesel fuel spray fires and small, obscured diesel pool fires some containing additional wood chips; the latter represents a more developed diesel fuel spray and larger diesel pool fires. Tests have also been run simulating the ignition of a diesel fuel spray impinging on a hot turbocharger. Parameters pertaining to restrike have also been investigated. Suppression tests have been carried out varying the type and amount of fire extinguishing agent, the location of the nozzles, and the presence or absence of airflow. In addition, the application rate was varied for dry chemical agents.
Chattaway, Adam, Dunster, Robert, Weller, Paul, Peoples, Joey
A Comparison of Various Fire Detection Methodologies in Transit Vehicle Engine Compartment Fire Protection Systems2012-01-09834/16/2012
Distinctly different fire hazards exist within the engine compartment of a transit vehicle and various detection methodologies may be employed to detect fire events arising from these hazards. The engine compartment presents a particularly challenging environment and it is important to select the correct methodology to ensure timely detection response in the early stages of the development of a fire whilst minimizing nuisance alarms. The choice of the correct detection methodology for a specific fire hazard is therefore determined by the suitability of the methodology for the detection of the anticipated fire event within the environment in which it is required to operate. This paper presents experimental data to demonstrate the variation in the response times of different detection methodologies in the presence of common fire events in the form of simulated flaming fuel fires and a simulated electrical fault in the form of an overheated electrical cable. The data presented relates to experiments conducted within a simulated transit vehicle engine compartment and includes the impact of environmental parameters, such as cooling due to high airflow rates, on detection response times. The paper will conclude with the lessons learned from this testing, and provide insight into key aspects for successful detection of the different fire hazards in this demanding application.
Smith, Paul, Chattaway, Adam, Peoples, Joey
Designing COTS LCD Displays For Rugged ApplicationsTBMG-130823/1/2012
Innovation, demand, and falling prices have resulted in high quality large format commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) LCD displays moving from the living room to high availability, mission critical applications.
Polymer Electrolyte-Based Ambient Temperature Oxygen Microsensors for Environmental MonitoringTBMG-104877/6/2011
An ambient temperature oxygen microsensor, based on a Nafion polymer electrolyte, has been developed and was microfabricated using thin-film technologies. A challenge in the operation of Nafion-based sensor systems is that the conductivity of Nafion film depends on the humidity in the film. Nafion film loses conductivity when the moisture content in the film is too low, which can affect sensor operation. The advancement here is the identification of a method to retain the operation of the Nafion films in lower humidity environments. Certain salts can hold water molecules in the Nafion film structure at room temperature. By mixing salts with the Nafion solution, water molecules can be homogeneously distributed in the Nafion film increasing the film’s hydration to prevent Nafion film from being dried out in low-humidity environment. The presence of organics provides extra sites in the Nafion film to promote proton (H+) mobility and thus improving Nafion film conductivity and sensor performance.
Multi-Parameter Aerosol Scattering SensorTBMG-104627/1/2011
This work relates to the development of sensors that measure specific aerosol properties. These properties are in the form of integrated moment distributions, i.e., total surface area, total mass, etc., or mathematical combinations of these moment distributions. Specifically, the innovation involves two fundamental features: a computational tool to design and optimize such sensors and the embodiment of these sensors in actual practice.The measurement of aerosol properties is a problem of general interest. Applications include, but are not limited to, environmental monitoring, assessment of human respiratory health, fire detection, emission characterization and control, and pollutant monitoring. The objectives for sensor development include increased accuracy and/or dynamic range, the inclusion in a single sensor of the ability to measure multiple aerosol properties, and developing an overall physical package that is rugged, compact, and low in power consumption, so as to enable deployment in harsh or confined field applications, and as distributed sensor networks. Existing instruments for this purpose include scattering photometers, direct-reading mass instruments, Beta absorption devices, differential mobility analyzers, and gravitational samplers.
Understanding Infrared Detector & Emitter TechnologyTBMG-105477/1/2011
Generally speaking, sensor manufacturers are driven to improve performance (i.e. offering greater sensitivity, smaller packages, more features) and lower costs. The prioritization of these sometimes conflicting demands varies with each target sensor application. For detector manufacturers, this translates into an assortment of requirements including high sensitivity, expanded range of operation, more integrated products, and low cost solutions. Final detector selection will depend on which attributes are most important for the target application.
Amperometric Solid Electrolyte Oxygen Microsensors With Easy Batch FabricationTBMG-95444/1/2011
There is a great need for oxygen microsensors for aerospace and commercial applications. Current bulk or thick-film solid electrolyte oxygen sensors have the disadvantages of being large in size, high in power consumption, difficult to batch-fabricate, and high in cost.
2010 Create the Future Design Contest Safety and Security Category WinnerTBMG-880211/1/2010
(Winner of an HP Workstation)
Processing Nanostructured Sensors Using Microfabrication TechniquesTBMG-81507/1/2010
Standard microfabrication techniques can be implemented and scaled to help assemble nanoscale microsensors. Currently nanostructures are often deposited onto materials primarily by adding them to a solution, then applying the solution in a thin film. This results in random placement of the nanostructures with no controlled order, and no way to accurately reproduce the placement. This method changes the means by which microsensors with nanostructures are fabricated. The fundamental advantage to this approach is that it enables standard microfabrication techniques to be applied in the repeated manufacture of nanostructured sensors on a microplatform.
Safety Considerations — Smoking in Lavatories of Transport AircraftARP4740 (Historical)11/2/2009
This ARP addresses the issue of passengers smoking in aircraft lavatories and the need to improve warnings about the danger of fire caused by smoking.
S-9B Cabin Interiors and Furnishings Committee
Engineering Support for Columbus: a Hydraulic Model of the Air Loop2009-01-25317/12/2009
On the 11th February 2008, the Columbus pressurized module has been successfully installed into the International Space Station. TAS-I (Thales Alenia Space - Italy) is responsible for the Off-Site Engineering Support to Columbus for ECLSS/TCS. A dedicated test-campaign has been proposed by TAS-I and performed on board Columbus during the first months after its docking to the Space Station, in order to have a Hydraulic Model of the entire Columbus air-loop correlated with real on-board data. A specific tool has been realized for the calculation of the Fans speeds (at ISFA, CFA1 or CFA2 level) to be expected and commanded in case of critical event so that a comfortable and safe environment for both astronauts and payloads can be ensured. The first part of this paper briefly presents the successful results of the employment of a tool previously realized by TAS-I for the calculation of cabin air volume flow rate from air loop telemetry data (primarily fans delta pressure and input current). The second part presents the description of the hydraulic model for the air-loop and its importance in the engineering support of Columbus all along next years.
Audrito, Gianpiero, Parodi, Paola, Antonacci, Massimo, di Francescantonio, Nicola, Mueller, Roland
Development of a Test Protocol for Spacecraft Post-Fire Atmospheric Cleanup and Monitoring2009-01-24707/12/2009
Fire detection, post fire atmospheric monitoring, fire extinguishing, and post fire atmospheric cleaning are vital components of a spacecraft fire response system, Preliminary efforts focused on the technology evaluation of fire detection, post fire atmospheric monitoring and post fire cleanup systems under realistic conditions are described in this paper. While the primary objective of testing is to determine the performance of a smoke mitigation filter, supplemental evaluations measuring the smoke-filled chamber handheld Commercial Off The Shelf (COTS) atmospheric monitoring devices (combustion product monitors) are conducted. The test chamber consists of a 1.4 cubic meter (50 cu. ft.) volume containing a smoke generator. The fuel used to generate the smoke is a mixture of polymers in representative quantities of materials involved in a circuit board fire — this was labeled as a typical spacecraft fire as suggested by Sribnik, et al.1 Two fire conditions were examined, termed a no flame and flame. No Flame events are produced by pyroiyzing the fuel mixture in a quartz tube furnace with forced ventilation to produce a white, lingering type of smoke, Flame events are produced by igniting the smoke at the outlet of the tube furnace producing combustion characterized by a less opaque smoke with black soot. Findings are that carbon monoxide is a major indicator of each fire as determined by electrochemical sensor measurements. Acid gas measurements were recorded but cross interferents are currently uncharacterized. Electrochemical sensor measurements and sample acquisition techniques from photoacoustic sensors are being improved. Overall, this research shows that fire characterization using traditional analytical chemistry techniques is required to verify measurements recorded using COTS atmospheric monitoring devices.
Zuniga, David, Hornung, Steven D., Haas, Jon P., Graf, John C.
Miniaturized Sensor Systems for Early Fire Detection in Spacecraft2009-01-24697/12/2009
A fire in spacecraft or habitat supporting NASA's Exploration mission could jeopardize the system, mission, and/or crew. Given adequate measures for fire prevention, the hazard from a fire can be significantly reduced if fire detection is rapid and occurs in the early stages of fire development. The simultaneous detection of both particulate and gaseous products has been proven to rapidly detect fires and accurately distinguish between real fires and nuisance sources. This paper describes the development status of gaseous and particulate sensor elements, integrated sensor systems, and system testing. It is concluded that while development is still necessary, the fundamental approach of smart, miniaturized, multisensor technology has the potential to significantly improve the safety of NASA space exploration systems.
Hunter, Gary W., Green berg, Paul S., Xu, Jennifer C., Ward, Benjamin, Makel, Darby, Dutta, Prabir, Liu, Chung-Chiun
Orion Emergency Mask Approach2009-01-24607/12/2009
Human rated space vehicles must provide safe breathing air to the crew, in the event of fire or other upset that affects air quality. In very short missions, like those in Mercury, the crew could remain in their flight suit. As mission duration increased, some sort of emergency breathing apparatus was used to provide safe breathing air in emergency situations. The Orion vehicle has a unique set of emergency breathing apparatus design challenges: the vehicle is small compared to shuttle and station, the vehicle does not have a pressurized supply of breathing air, the vehicle has a 30% oxygen design limit, no airlocks or alternate habitable volumes, and during lunar missions the crew members need to remain in the vehicle for many hours after an emergency. A filtering respirator shows special promise to address the needs of Orion, but a filtering respirator for combustion products has never been built and qualified for space. This paper describes the emergency breathing apparatus needs for Orion and reports the results of some filtering respirator development tests.
Tuan, George C., Graf, John C.
A Fire Suppression Analysis for the Altair Project2009-01-25117/12/2009
This paper presents a fire suppression analysis for the Altair project. The architecture of the Altair systems relevant to fire safety is briefly reviewed. This is followed by an outline of a fire safety analysis of the spacecraft including an outline of a probabilistic risk analysis (PRA). The particular emphasis of this analysis is the change in risk as the vehicle moves to lower pressure, higher operating voltage and increased oxygen mole fraction. The analysis shows that all of these changes increase the likelihood and intensity of a fire. The paper then outlines the options for a suppression system followed by a trade analysis of the different options. The candidate systems include inert gas agents (nitrogen, carbon dioxide and helium), water-based systems (spray, mist and foam) and chemically active agents. Chemically active agents are included for reference purposes since they are not likely candidates for the Altair vehicles.
Dietrich, D. L., Ruff, G. A., Urban, D. L.
Delivering Alert Messages to Members of a Work ForceTBMG-344712/1/2008
Global Alert Resolution Network (GARNET) is a software system for delivering emergency alerts as well as less-urgent messages to members of the Goddard Space Flight Center work force via an intranet or the Internet, and can be adapted to similar use in other large organizations. Messages can be presented in visible and audible forms on such diverse terminals as desktop computers, portable alphanumeric pagers, telephones, fire alarms, and closed-circuit television. GARNET includes client components running on workers’ desktop computers, and server components running on redundant computers behind firewalls.
Improved Airborne System for Sensing WildfiresTBMG-325610/1/2008
The Wildfire Airborne Sensing Program (WASP) is engaged in a continuing effort to develop an improved airborne instrumentation system for sensing wildfires. The system could also be used for other aerial-imaging applications, including mapping and military surveillance.
HMS TIRELESS Self Contained Oxygen Generator (SCOG) Explosion - 20 March 20072008-01-22056/29/2008
Short, J. J.
Advanced Quartz-Enhanced Photoacoustic Trace Gas Sensor for Early Fire Detection2008-01-20916/29/2008
A spectroscopic trace gas sensor using a distributed feedback diode laser at λ=1.53 µm and based on quartz enhanced photoacoustic spectroscopy technique is described. The sensor is capable of quasi-simultaneous quantification of trace ammonia, hydrogen cyanide, and acetylene (NH3, HCN, and C2H2, respectively) concentrations at ∼100 ppbv levels with a 4s integration time. The sensor design, responsivity, noise, and cross-talk characteristics are reported.
Kosterev, A. A., Tittel, F. K., Bearman, G.
Fundamentals of Fire Suppression in Reduced Gravity Environments2008-01-20876/29/2008
This paper discusses the unique aspects of fire suppression in reduced (micro- and Lunar/martian) gravity environments. It builds on a trade study conducted by the Fire Prevention Detection and Suppression group at the NASA Glenn Research Center that examined the efficacy of fire suppressants in reduced gravity. The first part of the present paper reviews the differences in flame characteristics between terrestrial and extraterrestrial fires and how these characteristics change the action of a fire suppressant. Special emphasis is placed on enriched oxygen ambient environments, a condition that will routinely exist on future spacecraft and extraterrestrial habitats. The most important difference between normal gravity and reduced gravity fires is the increase in the minimum suppressant concentration (for gaseous agents in a total flooding application) required to extinguish a fire in reduced gravity compared to normal gravity. The impact of this observation is that suppressant system design guidelines based on terrestrial standards will either not be adequate or will not offer the same factor of safety in reduced gravity. The paper discussion focusses on inert gas (most suitable for total flooding applications) and water mist systems (suitable for total flooding and streaming applications), with some results for chemically active systems (e.g. Halon 1301) included for reference. Finally, the paper presents recommendations on proposed tests and standards to evaluate candidate suppressant technologies.
Dietrich, D. L., Ruff, G. A., Urban, D. L.
Fiber-Optic Determination of N₂, O₂, and Fuel Vapor in the Ullage of Liquid-Fuel TanksTBMG-111955/1/2008
A fiber-optic sensor system has been developed that can remotely measure the concentration of molecular oxygen (O2), nitrogen (N2), hydrocarbon vapor, and other gases (CO2, CO, H2O, chlorofluorocarbons, etc.) in the ullage of a liquid-fuel tank. The system provides an accurate and quantitative identification of the above gases with an accuracy of better than 1 percent by volume (for O2 or N2) in real-time (5 seconds). In an effort to prevent air-craft fuel tank fires or explosions similar to the tragic TWA Flight 800 explosion in 1996, OBIGGS are currently being developed for large commercial aircraft to prevent dangerous conditions from forming inside fuel tanks by providing an “inerting” gas blanket that is low in oxygen, thus preventing the ignition of the fuel/air mixture in the ullage.
Powerplant Fire Detection Instruments - Thermal and Flame Contact Types (Turbine)AS430 (Current)2/16/2008
This Aeronautical Standard covers the following basic types of fire detection instruments, or combinations thereof, intended for use in protecting aircraft powerplant installation, auxiliary powerplants, combustion heaters and other installations where fuel, oil or similar fires may occur.
AS8036 Update Working Group
Managing Life Support Systems Using Procedures2007-01-30267/9/2007
International Space Station life support hardware is controlled mainly from the ground by executing standard operating procedures. While some on-board software exists for safety purposes, most commands are sent from ECLSS ground controllers to achieve mission objectives. This will prove unwieldy for extended operations with increasing time delays. This paper presents a new approach to encoding standard operating procedures that provides a path to greater autonomy in life support operations. Software tools will allow for adjustable automation of procedures from either the ground or on-board. The Cascade Distiller System (CDS) being tested at NASA Johnson Space Center is used as an example system.
Kortenkamp, David, Bonasso, R. Peter, Schreckenghost, Debra
Crew Exploration Vehicle Environmental Control and Life Support Fire Protection Approach2007-01-32557/9/2007
As part of preparing for the Crew Exploration Vehicle (CEV), the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) worked on developing the requirements to manage the fire risk. The new CEV poses unique challenges to current fire protection systems. The size and configuration of the vehicle resembles the Apollo capsule instead of the current Space Shuttle or the International Space Station. The smaller free air volume and fully cold plated avionic bays of the CEV requires a different approach in fire protection than the ones currently utilized. The fire protection approach discussed in this paper incorporates historical lessons learned and fire detection and suppression system design philosophy spanning from Apollo to the International Space Station. Working with NASA fire and materials experts, this approach outlines the best requirements for both the closed out area of the vehicle, such as the avionics bay, and the crew cabin area to address the unique challenges due to the size and configuration of the CEV.
Lewis, John F., Barido, Richard, Tuan, George C.
Safe Storage of Natural Gas on Urban Buses: Case Early Investigation and Learnings2007-01-04304/16/2007
The use of CNG in bus and private vehicles is growing steadily. Recent fire accidents involving CNG buses have shown that tanks may explode though compliant with current ECE UN R110 regulation. Such a repeated scenario is certainly not acceptable having in mind the tremendous amount of energy released when a compressed tank bursts. Investigation of German and French recent cases detailed in this article highlights potential improvements in current CNG buses fire safety concepts. Among others, it includes to rely on a system-level test and expectations in combination with the current component-level test. Fire safety should not solely rely on tank behaviour when exposed to fire but also to additional and upstream fire safety barriers. Thermal fuses can not be seen any more as an ultimate option to control tank burst in case of fire.
Perrette, Lionel, Wiedemann, Helmut K.
Fire Protection on Airplanes2005-01-342910/3/2005
Airplane fire protection demands a very high level of reliability. In flight there is no escape from a fire and with an abundance of fuel and ignition sources, the threat of a fire onboard an airplane is ever present. Today's airplanes comply with existing fire protection regulations. The regulations affecting fire protection change with the advent of new technologies and experiences. This paper addresses methods for fire protection in the design of new airplanes. Prevention of a fire is the best method of fire protection, for it is best to prevent a fire than to have to deal with a fire in flight, but dealing with a fire in flight may become inevitable at one point or another. This is why fire protection methods such as passive methods and active methods are addressed. This paper addresses various fire protection methods from eliminating fuels and ignition sources to reducing flammability, from zoning and compartmentation to material selection and ventilation, from temperature control to fire detection and fire extinguishing or fire suppression systems. In addition the fire protection design basis for all areas of the airplane, from radome to the tail that include the flight deck, engines, auxiliary power unit (APU), cabin, cargo compartments, fuel tanks, lavatories, crew compartments, electrical and electronics compartment, accessory compartments and the tail compartment are discussed.
Hariram, Sham S.
Evaluation of Automatic Fire Suppression Systems in Full Scale Vehicle Fire Tests and Static Vehicle Fire Tests2005-01-17884/11/2005
A prototype fire suppression system was tested in one full-scale vehicle crash tests and three static vehicle fire tests. The prototype fire suppression system consisted of 2 Solid Propellant Gas Generators and two optical detectors. These components were installed on the hood of the test vehicle. A vehicle crash test and a series of static vehicle fire tests were performed to determine the effectiveness of this prototype fire suppression systems in extinguishing fires in the engine compartment of a crashed vehicle
Santrock, Jeffrey, Hodges, Steven E.
Integration of Automated Safing Responses2004-01-25507/19/2004
Environmental Control and Life Support (ECLS) functionality aboard the International Space Station (ISS) includes responding to various emergency conditions. The ISS requirements define three types of emergencies: fire, rapid depressurization, and hazardous or toxic atmosphere. The ISS has automatic integrated vehicle responses to each of these emergencies. These responses are designed to aid the crew in their response actions to the emergencies. This paper focuses on the integration of ISS responses to these three emergencies. It includes the ISS automatic integrated vehicle response and the initial crew response. Philosophies regarding the generic response to an on-orbit emergency are described. Software responses are defined for modules on orbit up to the addition of the Docking Compartment (DC1) in the assembly sequence. Possible future improvements are also described.
Curry, Kim, Prokhorov, Kimberlee
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