Browse Topic: Fire fighting

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Ground Coverage Simulations for Firefighting HelicopterF-0081-2025-00395/20/2025
This study numerically investigates the relationship between airspeed, drop height, and ground water coverage during helicopter-based aerial firefighting. With the effect of global warming and human activities the threat of forest fires has increased and finding optimal water dumping strategies for effective suppression is a crucial part of the firefighting operations. How varying airspeed and water drop height influence water dispersion and ground coverage has been analyzed utilizing numerical simulations with the VOF model in STAR-CCM+. Findings show that to maximize firefighting efficiency, balancing two contradicting phenomena is essential. These are, minimizing ineffective mist formation due to high drop height/high airspeed and fueling of the fire from rotor downwash due to low height/low airspeed passing by over the fire zone.
Goksan, Arin, Güngör, Osman, Ezertaş, Ahmet Alper
Augusta Regional Airport Preparation for Transformative VTOL Air Vehicle OperationsF-0081-2025-01325/20/2025
The emergence of electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing (eVTOL) air vehicles is transforming how people and freight are moved in short distances. This transformation has a profound impact on surrounding infrastructure necessary to provide Aircraft On Ground support for eVTOLs. The hover capabilities of eVTOLs have similar operating characteristics within terminal and uncontrolled airspace. However, the need to conserve battery energy via rapid approaches and departures affects terminal airspace management. To attract eVTOL operators, existing airports, landing zones, and vertiports are modifying their infrastructure to include fixed electric charging stations, additional taxiways, upgraded fire suppression systems, separate hangers, and capable MRO facilities. Augusta Regional Airport (KAGS) is the base airport for the annual Masters Golf Tournament which experiences five times the normal airport traffic and some 40,000 commuting patrons. eVTOLs can offset land traffic issues associated with commuters and supplies. Since KAGS is centroid to 32,000 square miles of territory void of major highways, basing eVTOLs can offer expedited transit services for people and goods which will have a profound impact on the economic viability and quality of life in the area.
Stanzione, Kaydon, Johnston, Diane
The Advancement of Aerial Firefighting Concept of OperationsF-0080-2024-11605/7/2024
Advancing technology has driven continuous improvements across most aspects of human endeavors. In the time since the first modern helicopter flew in 1939, the world has seen inventions like the microwave, personal computers, cell phones, and the internet. If helicopters predate these society-changing innovations, then it stands to reason that the manner in which helicopters operate has drastically shifted as well. Specifically, this paper reviews historical concepts of operations (CONOPS) in rotorcraft aerial firefighting and analyzes where technology advancements have made an impact on firefighting operations and the performance of helicopters in suppressing fires. These shifts were evaluated using analytical assessments and highlighting snapshots in time of how capability impacted the aerial firefighting mission effectiveness. As companies innovate and technology advances, further benefits to rotorcraft CONOPS in aerial firefighting will be realized.
Gil, Monica, Gorelick, Jordan, Melhorn, Shawn
Analysis of Aerial Firefighting with Rotorcraft PlatformsF-0079-2023-181345/16/2023
ABSTRACT
Gil, Monica, Melhorn,  Shawn, Gorelick, Jordan
The Bambi Bucket: Evolution of the Most Versatile Aerial Firefighting ToolF-0078-2022-175895/10/2022
ABSTRACT
Roedts(II), Robert
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
Fire Prevention on Forestry MachineryJ1212_202010 (Current)10/6/2020
This document applies to off-road forestry work machines defined in SAE J1116 or ISO 6814.
MTC4, Forestry and Logging Equipment
Safety Considerations for Airplane LavatoriesARP1315E (Current)6/25/2020
This SAE Aerospace Recommended Practice (ARP) establishes safety recommendations for lavatories in transport category airplanes.
S-9B Cabin Interiors and Furnishings 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
Motion-Powered, Fireproof SensorTBMG-3543111/1/2019
Researchers have created a motion-powered, fireproof sensor that can track the movements of firefighters, steelworkers, miners, and others who work in high-risk environments where they cannot always be seen. The sensor alerts someone outside if the movement ceases.
A Dynamic Fault Tree Approach for Time-Dependent Logical Modeling of Autonomous Flight Systems2019-01-13583/19/2019
This paper addresses the urgent need for adequate methodologies to use in analyzing autonomous flight systems, including Unmanned Aircraft. These systems are inherently dynamic and require analysis that is explicitly time dependent. Autonomous flight systems are becoming more commonly used, especially for Part 23 aircraft including Business (Corporate) and Regional Jets or Unmanned Aircraft deployed in hazardous environment/situation. Such systems are expected to make their own decisions under uncertain conditions caused by potential system structure changes when entering a new flight phase or switching to a new system configuration due to system degradation or failure(s) [1]. This paper highlights significant modeling errors that can arise in analyzing dynamic scenarios where these time dependencies are ignored. Model-based solutions are provided by incorporating a time-dependent algebraic formalism into Fault Tree Analysis (FTA) and Dependency Diagram (DD) with updated descriptions in SAE ARP4761A and ARP4754B (Note: These are currently under development). A Dynamic Goal Tree (or alternatively, a Dynamic Dependency Diagram) provides an effective implementation of the time-dependent logic for dynamic system analysis analyzing autonomous flight systems which are inherently dynamic since decisions need to be made without human input in a very short time. The safety analysis for autonomous flight systems, including Unmanned Aircraft, can be performed by extending the traditional phased mission analysis, thus the potential system structure changes for different phases in a flight mission can be expressed by a Dynamic Fault Tree (DFT), or alternatively, a Dynamic Goal Tree (DGT), or Dynamic Dependency Diagram (DDD) [2].
Wang, John
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.
Remote Sensing for Smarter Forest Fire FightingTBMG-297217/1/2018
Spinoff is NASA's annual publication featuring successfully commercialized NASA technology. This commercialization has contributed to the development of products and services in the fields of health and medicine, consumer goods, transportation, public safety, computer technology, and environmental resources.
Full Scale Burn Demonstration of Two 2013 Ford Fusions - Arc Mapping Analysis2018-01-14394/3/2018
Vehicle fire investigators sometimes use the existence and location of thermally damaged wiring (arced, shorted, melted, & beaded) discovered in a post burn analysis of a vehicle as an indication of the fire origin and its cause. One systematic method of analysis is to use the process of arc mapping. To examine the reliability of arc mapping in motor vehicle fires, two full scale burn demonstrations were conducted on 2013 Ford Fusions. Both vehicles had similar fire origins artificially initiated in the interior of the vehicles near the driver’s front seat. The engines were running and all accessories were off. During the burn sequence, occurrences of fire induced unintended electrical activity were captured with video and still photography. Examples of this unintended activity include lights, horn, wipers, and decklid latch activation. The burn concluded when the measured battery voltage went to zero in demonstration 1. The burn concluded in demonstration 2 after the measured battery voltage went to zero and the fire consumed the passenger compartment and most of the engine compartment. During the burn duration, passenger and engine compartment temperatures were recorded. A post burn arc mapping analysis of the vehicles was performed and thermally damaged electrical wires were identified. An attempt was made to analyze the circuits associated with thermally damaged wires to determine if the circuit was powered at the time of the fire or if the circuit became powered due to the fire. However, because of the extensive burn damage, specific circuits could not be identified. The findings on the two vehicles were compared to each other. The demonstrations concluded that arc mapping in a post burn vehicle is not indicative of the fire’s origin or causation consistent with NFPA 921 section 27.5.3.3.4. Arc mapping may be an effective method to determine origin and cause when thermally damaged wires can be identified, given that arcing can be confirmed, the electrical circuits can be identified, and a chronological map can be created indicating the origin and cause, however this is beyond the scope of this paper.
DeMarois, Paul H., Ballard, William, Engle, James, West, Gregory, Pappas, Bill, Williams, Jeff
Aircraft Rescue Fire Fighting Vehicles (ARFF)TBMG-271796/1/2017
Oshkosh Defense, LLC Oshkosh, WI 920-235-9150
Structural and Flight Test of a Composite Bubble Door for the CHI CH-47DF-0073-2017-121915/9/2017
ABSTRACT Columbia Helicopters, Inc, (CHI) has procured several military-surplus CH-47D helicopters for use in heavy-lift operations, including fire-fighting and other external lift operations. For decades, CHI has successfully utilized Direct Visual Operational Control (DVOC) to precisely control the load at the end of a long line. The key to DVOC is the use of a bubble window at both pilot and co-pilot positions on the aircraft, which allows the pilot flying the aircraft to see the load directly. CHI designed, manufactured, tested, and qualified a replacement cockpit door to hold a bubble window in the CH-47D. The new doorframe is made of carbon-fiber epoxy composite, holds an 18-inch-deep bubble window in the upper section, and holds a sliding ventilation window in the lower section. An abbreviated composite building block test was completed to prove the structure, and flight test was used to determine the optimal flight attitude to evacuate the cockpit of smoke.
Pilkington, Lawrence, Solem, Courtney, Royce, Anna
The Evolution of Heavy-Lift Operations Performed by Tandem Rotor Helicopters at Columbia HelicoptersF-0073-2017-122145/9/2017
ABSTRACT Columbia Helicopters, Inc. was founded in 1957 by Wes Lematta. Lematta wanted to find a use for helicopters other than transporting people, and with that vision, built a company that spurred the industry of heavy-lift helicopter operations. In the early years of the company, operations included construction and helilogging. Columbia was one of the first successful helilogging companies in the world. In 1969, Columbia purchased its first tandem rotor helicopter, a Boeing-Vertol 107-II. Today, the company's fleet consists entirely of tandem rotor helicopters. Columbia holds the Type Certificates and Parts Only Production Certificates for the Model 107-II and the Model 234. Columbia also owns a Restricted Type Certificate for the Model CH-47D Chinooks. The company uses these three aircraft models to complete a variety of heavy-lift operations including firefighting, logging, government services, construction, stream work, oil and gas exploration, and humanitarian support. As the demands of the industry evolved, so has Columbia, by shifting focus of company operations from helilogging to firefighting and other government services.
Royce, Anna, Johnson, Elle, Makowski, Daniela
Air Cargo Unit Load Devices - Reference DocumentsAIR36105B (Current)4/13/2017
The present SAE Aerospace Information Report (AIR) provides a list of the main government regulations, SAE and international standards, and standing industry recommendations applying to air cargo unit load devices (pallets, nets, and containers) to be loaded with either baggage or freight on board civil transport aircraft.
AGE-2 Air Cargo
Fire Suppression Modeling & Simulation Framework for Ground Vehicles2017-01-13513/28/2017
The US Army Tank Automotive Research, Development and Engineering Center (TARDEC) has developed a unique physics based modeling & simulation (M&S) capability using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) techniques to optimize automatic fire extinguishing system (AFES) designs and complement vehicle testing for both occupied and unoccupied spaces of military ground vehicles. The modeling techniques developed are based on reduced global kinetics for computational efficiency and are applicable to fire suppressants that are being used in Army vehicles namely, bromotrifluoromethane (Halon 1301), heptafluoropropane (HFC-227ea, trade name FM200), sodium-bicarbonate (SBC) powder, water + potassium acetate mixture, and pentafluoroethane (HFC-125, trade name, FE-25). These CFD simulations are performed using High Performance Computers (HPC) that enable the Army to assess AFES designs in a virtual world at far less cost than physical-fire tests. This methodology is applied to vehicle crew compartments for multiple scenarios using HFC227e + SBC powder which is the suppressant combination used in most US combat and tactical vehicles with crew fire protection systems. Predicted and test results match qualitatively very well for overall suppression time as well as for soldier survivability from thermal injury, blast overpressure and inhalation toxicity risks. After gaining confidence with crew compartment simulations, this fire suppression modeling methodology is now being applied to the geometrically-more-complex military vehicle engine compartments with HFC-125 fire suppressant that is widely used for unoccupied spaces. Challenges associated with the fire suppression simulations are discussed along with future developments that are being proposed to enhance the overall accuracy of the simulation methodology.
Korivi, Vamshi, McCormick, Steven, Hodges, Steven
Darmindra Arumugam, Senior Research Technologist, Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, CATBMG-265793/21/2017
In outdoor locations, firefighters and emergency responders can use GPS technology to track one another. Indoor environments like high-rises and steel-reinforced structures, however, frequently block radio signals. With the development of POINTER (Precision Outdoor and Indoor Navigation and Tracking for Emergency Responders), Darmindra Arumugam has addressed the sensing challenge, and provided a potentially game-changing tool for search and rescue teams.
Lightweight, Flexible Thermal Protection System for Fire ProtectionTBMG-261451/1/2017
CHIEFS (Convective Heating Im provement for Emergency Fire Shelters) is being developed by NASA’s Langley Research Center to potentially improve the performance of emergency fire shelters for wildland firefighters. A fire shelter is a last-resort safety measure that may protect firefighters entrapped by wildfire that has compromised their escape route. The current shelter design, resembling a small foldable tent, is primarily designed to protect the user from exposure from radiant heat. It provides limited protection when exposed to direct flame contact and convective heat. The Washington Office Fire and Aviation Management (WO-FAM) initiated a product review for the fire shelters to be completed by 2018. NASA is working closely with the USDA Forest Service to understand the emergency fire shelter requirements and testing procedures.
Edward Chow, AUDREY Program Manager, Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, CATBMG-2561010/25/2016
Carbon Brake Contamination and OxidationAIR5490A (Current)4/12/2016
This document provides information on contamination and its effects on brakes having carbon-carbon composite friction materials (carbon). Carbon is hygroscopic and porous, and therefore readily absorbs liquids and contaminants. Some of the contaminants can impact intended performance of the brake. This document is intended to raise awareness of the effects of carbon brake contamination and provide information on industry practices for its prevention. Although not addressed in this report, contaminants can cause problems with other landing system components including tires.
A-5A Wheels, Brakes and Skid Controls Committee
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.
Hydrostatic Hyperbaric Oxygen Treatment ChamberTBMG-2349512/1/2015
A hyperbaric chamber has been designed to achieve the goals of maximizing safety, minimizing complexity, and minimizing cost of hyperbaric chamber therapy. This design minimizes the volume of compressed gas in the chamber, and eliminates the need for complex gas mixing, carbon dioxide scrubbing, thermal management, and fire suppression systems. The simple pressurization system affords safe operation by minimally trained personnel. It requires only clean water and small volumes of compressed oxygen, and uses no electrical power. These features allow the chamber to be used in remote, undeveloped locations where hyperbaric oxygen therapy is currently not feasible.
Hydrostatic Hyperbaric Oxygen Treatment ChamberTBMG-2304110/1/2015
A hyperbaric chamber has been designed to achieve the goals of maximizing safety, minimizing complexity, and minimizing cost of hyperbaric chamber therapy. This design minimizes the volume of compressed gas in the chamber, and eliminates the need for complex gas mixing, carbon dioxide scrubbing, thermal management, and fire suppression systems. The simple pressurization system affords safe operation by minimally trained personnel. It requires only clean water and small volumes of compressed oxygen, and uses no electrical power. These features allow the chamber to be used in remote, undeveloped locations where hyperbaric oxygen therapy is currently not feasible.
Fire Prevention on Forestry MachineryJ1212_201501 (Historical)1/20/2015
This document applies to off-road forestry work machines defined in SAE J1116 or ISO 6814.
MTC4, Forestry and Logging Equipment
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.
Patient Simulators Train Emergency CaregiversTBMG-2080210/1/2014
Medical training is one of the most important aspects of preparing astronauts for space. Every crewmember must become proficient in basic emergency skills, such as CPR, ventilation, and intubation.
Patient Simulators Train Emergency CaregiversTBMG-3609410/1/2014
Medical training is one of the most important aspects of preparing astronauts for space. Every crewmember must become proficient in basic emergency skills, such as CPR, ventilation, and intubation.
Video Acuity Measurement SystemTBMG-205059/1/2014
There is a widely acknowledged need for metrics to quantify the performance of video systems. Existing metrics are either difficult to measure or are largely theoretical. They do not reflect the full range of effects to which video may be subject, or do not relate easily to video performance in real-world tasks. The empirical Video Acuity metric is simple to measure and relates directly to task performance. Video acuity is determined by the smallest letters that can be automatically identified using a video system. It is expressed most conveniently in letters per degree of visual angle.
Wireless Sensor Node for Autonomous Monitoring and Alerts in Remote EnvironmentsTBMG-193654/1/2014
The current radio infrastructure for firefighters provides voice communications, but does not support data transfer capability for continuous monitoring of people in the field. Current radios require user interaction to perform manual voice check-in for firefighter status. A new infrastructure is required to enable continuous, autonomous monitoring of firefighters at work via a remote command and control center. The system also needs the capability to send two-way alerts in real time as early warning of impending danger to firefighters and as indication of an emergency in the field due to a downed firefighter(s).
Aircraft Crash AxesAIR5401A (Current)9/19/2013
This SAE Aerospace Information Report (AIR) provides information demonstrating the need for establishing design and performance standards for aircraft crash axes.
S-9A Safety Equipment and Survival Systems Committee
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
Small and Lightweight Innovative Obstacle Detection Radar System for the General Aviation: Performances and Integration Aspects2013-01-21009/17/2013
Since 2011, ROD Ltd. and Boggi srl have started to cooperate in the field of airborne platform safety through the development and the integration of an innovative radar system, based on the radar system patented by in 2009 [1]. ROD Ltd. is a startup company, created in 2011, in order to commercialize an innovative Obstacle and Terrain Avoidance Sensor concept (OTAS™). Boggi srl is an EASA DOA (21.J.453) [2] that has developed the capability of designing and certifying aerospace components from small changes to complex systems such as Remotely Piloted Air System (RPAS) or mission avionic. The direct experience of the operators in general aviation has shown that a number of accidents occur because of collisions with obstacles and, especially, but not only, with cables. During the years of 1997-2009, a total of 996 reported aviation accidents/collisions involving wires/power lines occurred in the United States. Of the 996 accidents, 301 involved at least one fatality [3]. This paper describes the OTAS™, a light-weight (<3 Kg) and low-power radar for terrain and obstacle detection for aircraft. It also describes the system and airworthiness aspects that have to be taken into consideration for the integration of this type of system on platforms. The OTAS™ solution is achieved by innovatively integrating proven technologies and purpose-built signal and data processing algorithms. One major innovation is to employ relatively low (L-band) radio frequency, which enables polarization sensitivity.
Vazzola, Matteo, Slapak, Alon, Cassino, Pierangelo, Boggi, Stefano, Niv, Haim
Fire Containment Cover - Design, Performance, and Testing RequirementsAS6453 (Historical)8/6/2013
This SAE Aerospace Standard (AS), identical to ISO 14186, specifies the minimum design and performance criteria and testing methods of fire containment covers (FCCs) 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
Practical Case Studies of Thermal Events in Buses2013-01-02124/8/2013
Buses often combine high occupancy loads, limited pathways for egress, and the involvement of passengers with limited mobility. In the event of a fire, the potential for passenger injury and loss of life is significant. Additionally, there can be substantial financial losses due to equipment loss and service interruption. In order to prevent future occurrences, it is critical to thoroughly investigate bus fires and develop an understanding of their causes. The causes of non-arson bus fires typically can be categorized as electrical, friction at the wheel level, or engine component failures. This paper examines actual fire occurrences, their root cause investigation, and the measures that were taken to prevent future incidents.
Jones, Aaron, Schimpf, Nicole, Dube, Normand
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
High-Pressure Systems Suppress Fires in SecondsTBMG-162564/1/2013
Orbital Technologies Corp. (ORBITEC) of Madison, WI, has been a longtime NASA partner, working with the Agency on numerous projects, many through the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program. ORBITEC collaborated with Marshall Space Flight Center to develop products such as a cool-wall vortex combustion chamber that represents a new method of rocket engine design. By feeding liquid or gas oxidizer into the combustion chamber in a manner that generates a swirling vortex flow, the design confines the mixing and burning of the propellant to the core of the chamber, keeping the walls free from volatile thermal stresses. ORBITEC applied this innovation to an advanced vortex hybrid rocket engine that combines solid and liquid fuel to power a low-cost, highly reliable, and versatile propulsion option.
ISS Experiment Studies Flames and Fire Suppression in SpaceTBMG-1492910/1/2012
A combustion experiment jointly designed by scientists and engineers at NASA’s Glenn Research Center (Cleveland, OH) and the Universities Space Research Association (USRA) is currently in operation onboard the International Space Station (ISS). The Burning and Suppression of Solids (BASS) experiment will bridge the gap among normal-gravity material flammability screening tests, short-time ground-based microgravity tests, and actual zero-gravity spacecraft conditions. The basic applied hypothesis is that in certain conditions, a material in zero-gravity will be more flammable than it is in normal gravity.
Expanding the Use of Aerial DownlinksTBMG-139526/1/2012
Today, airborne downlinks are no longer limited to strategic command applications. More and more, first responders, fire departments, EMS personnel, and others are employing airborne downlinks to meet a diverse array of needs. Through the use of digital downlink technology, these systems are easier to use, eliminating the need for highly trained technical personnel to operate them. They also now have fullfeatured infrared cameras and secure digital COFDM transmitters, allowing users to share the video intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance information across multiple organizations and agencies.
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 Review of Oxidation on Steel Surfaces in the Context of Fire Investigations2012-01-09904/16/2012
During the course of a fire and subsequent exposure to the environment, iron and low-carbon steels oxidize by two mechanisms: high temperature oxidation and atmospheric corrosion. Of particular interest to fire investigators are oxide properties and distribution that could be of use to better understand important characteristics of the fire such as the location the fire originated, the direction the fire traveled or even temperature versus time characteristics. This could be particularly valuable in cases where burn damage to combustible material, which is known to be an important indicator of fire origin, is so extensive that little if any material remains after the fire. However, there is little data in the literature that specifically addresses the utility of oxide properties in the context of fire investigations. In this paper, we review the literature associated with both the high-temperature oxidation and atmospheric corrosion mechanisms in the context of a fire and post-fire environment. This review illustrates that both mechanisms are very complex and coupled to an equally complex and often ill-defined combustion environment associated with fires. As a result, the contribution of oxide characteristics to fire investigations is currently limited to identifying regions at the fire scene that reached temperatures sufficient to damage the protective coatings or to form wustite (FeO), which occurs at about 570°C. While oxide thickness developed during high-temperature oxidation may be related to the fire environment, its significance in fire investigations will likely depend on numerous confounding factors, which could include complex lattice defect formation processes, a complex and variable combustion environment, the dependency on both exposure time and exposure temperature, and the mass and surface area of the steel in question. Although variations in oxide color are often observed after a fire, no clear physical link between color variations and important characteristics of the fire has yet to be demonstrated by data currently available in the literature. Instead, oxide color is dependent on oxide thickness, the type of oxides present, natural variations of color for the same oxide, and the type and concentration of combustion products or other contaminants in the lattice structure.
Colwell, Jeff D., Babic, Darko
Safety and Operational Improvements Using Head-Up Displays in Small Aircraft and Helicopters2011-01-252810/18/2011
Small aircraft and helicopters have an increasing need for “heads out” presentations, which means a projected presentation of symbols and images, primarely infrared, on an optical combiner in the pilots field of view. The information presented will appear at an infinite distance i.e. the focal point is far away enabling the pilot to see the symbology superimposed on and correlated to the outside world. The driving factors for a “heads out” presentations are increased safety through improved situation awareness in almost all weather conditions as well as operational improvements due to reduced landing minima prerequisites in adverse weather conditions. Also safety during taxiing and landing are improved through early detection of eventual other aircraft and objects. The landing aid is important for small aircraft like business jets that often fly into unequipped airfields. The overall benefits are reduction in number of incidents/accidents, cost savings and reduced number of diversions. For helicopters performing special transport missions, for example transporting people and gods to off-shore oil platforms, a system featuring heads out symbology and infrared imagery would mean a great safety improvement during adverse weather. The presented information shows the pilot what he needs for flight and navigation, gives guidance to assist his maneuvering of the aircraft and enhances his vision through use of special imaging sensors. The heads-out solution is configured into a sub-system in different ways. The Head-Up Display (HUD) cold be sold as a stand-alone equipment integrated into the avionics data buses or as one part of the total cockpit display system or as an Enhanced Flight Vision System (with the display itself and an infrared camera). New types of head-up displays are no longer designed as two units, an over-head projector and a combiner, but built into one single unit using new optical solutions. In combination with a reduced equipment and integration cost. This will open up the introduction into smaller aircraft and helicopters. One trend breaking solution is the newly developed Saab Head-Up Display (HUD) named RIGS.
Brandtberg, Hans, Zanden, Johan
When Human-Machine Interfaces and Control ConvergeTBMG-110809/1/2011
Today’s human-machine interfaces (HMIs) provide the link between sophisticated technology and the human touch required to effectively operate essential systems and applications. By offering intuitive contact between the operator and the process, users can safely operate trains, build cars, produce manufactured goods, or machine critical industrial parts, for example. Performance advancements continue to drive new embedded designs in these arenas, and HMIs are evolving in step. Integrating HMIs with control systems is proving valuable in many embedded sectors, with the fastmoving, global transportation market leading the charge.
Deicing Facility Operational ProceduresARP5660A (Historical)1/6/2011
The purpose of this document is to provide guidelines for the standardization of safe operating procedures to be used in performing the services and maintenance at Designated Deicing Facilities (Central Deicing Facilities/Remote Deicing Facilities) that are necessary for proper deicing/anti-icing of aircraft on the ground and performing of associated checks in accordance with the various approved ground icing programs, while considering applicable local environmental, operational and economic requirements. This document should be used by regulators and airport authorities to develop and standardize approvals and permits for the establishment and operation of a DDF. The coordination of stakeholders is required prior to the approval of design plans for a deicing facility. Operating procedures must be agreed to, in writing, by all air operators, airport authorities, regulators and service providers prior to commencing deicing operations.
G-12DF Deicing Facilities Committee
Ultra-Wideband Angle-of-Arrival Tracking SystemsTBMG-889112/1/2010
Systems that measure the angles of arrival of ultra-wideband (UWB) radio signals and perform triangulation by use of those angles in order to locate the sources of those signals are undergoing development. These systems were originally intended for use in tracking UWB-transmitter-equipped astronauts and mobile robots on the surfaces of remote planets during early stages of exploration, before satellite-based navigation systems become operational. On Earth, these systems could be adapted to such uses as tracking UWB-transmitter-equipped firefighters inside buildings or in outdoor wildfire areas obscured by smoke.
Off-Road Tire Fire Handling GuidelinesJ2828_201004 (Historical)4/23/2010
This SAE Informational report applies to tires used on off-road, rubber-tired work machines as identified in SAE J1116. This SAE document provides general guidelines for proper handling of potential and actual off-road tire fires and possible related explosions.
MTC8, Tire and Rim
Fire Suppression System Protects Giant Crawler TransportersTBMG-580210/1/2009
Stat-X fire suppression system Fireaway LLC Minnetonka, MN 952-935-9745 http://statx.com
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.
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