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An Earth-Based Equivalent Low Stretch Apparatus to Assess Material Flammability for Microgravity and Extraterrestrial Fire-Safety ApplicationsThe objective of this project is to modify the standard oxygen consumption (cone) calorimeter (described in ASTM E 1354 and NASA STD 6001 Test 2) to provide a reproducible bench-scale test environment that simulates the buoyant or ventilation flow that would be generated by or around a burning surface in a spacecraft or extraterrestrial gravity level. This apparatus will allow us to conduct normal gravity experiments that accurately and quantitatively evaluate a material's flammability characteristics in the real-use environment of spacecraft or extra-terrestrial gravitational acceleration. The Equivalent Low Stretch Apparatus (ELSA) uses an inverted cone geometry with the sample burning in a ceiling fire configuration that provides a reproducible bench-scale test environment that simulates the buoyant or ventilation flow that would be generated by a flame in a spacecraft or extraterrestrial gravity level. Prototype unit testing results are presented in this paper. Ignition delay times and regression rates for PMMA are presented over a range of radiant heat flux levels and equivalent stretch rates which demonstrate the ability of ELSA to simulate key features of microgravity and extraterrestrial fire behavior.
Document ID
20040053558
Acquisition Source
Glenn Research Center
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Olson, S. L. (NASA Glenn Research Center Cleveland, OH, United States)
Beeson, H. (NASA White Sands Test Facility NM, United States)
Haas, J. P. (NASA White Sands Test Facility NM, United States)
Date Acquired
September 7, 2013
Publication Date
August 1, 2003
Publication Information
Publication: Seventh International Workshop on Microgravity Combustion and Chemically Reacting Systems
Subject Category
Instrumentation And Photography
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.

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IDRelationTitle20040053504Collected WorksSeventh International Workshop on Microgravity Combustion and Chemically Reacting Systems
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