Experimental And Numerical Evaluation Of Gaseous Agents For Suppressing Cup-Burner Flames In Low-Gravity.
Experimental And Numerical Evaluation Of Gaseous Agents
For Suppressing Cup-Burner Flames In Low-Gravity.
(760 K)
Takahashi, F.; Linteris, G. T.; Katta, V. R.
NASA/CP2003-212376/REV1;
Microgravity Combustion asnd Chemically Reacting
Systems, 7th International Workshop. Sponsored by NASA
Microgravity Science Division. Hosted by NASA Glenn
Research Center. June 3-6, 2003, Cleveland, OH, 277-280
pp, 2003.
Keywords:
fire suppression; gravity; halon alternatives;
microgravity
Abstract:
Longer duration missions to the moon, to Mars, and on
the International Space Station (ISS) increase the
likelihood of accidental fires. NASAs fire safety
program for human-crewed space flight is based largely
on removing ignition sources and controlling the
flammability of the material on-board. There is ongoing
research to improve the flammability characterization of
materials in low gravity; however, very little research
has been conducted on fire suppression in the
low-gravity environment. Although the existing
suppression systems aboard the Space Shuttle (halon
1301, CF3Br) and the ISS (CO2 or water-based form) may
continue to be used, alternative effective agents or
techniques are desirable for long-duration missions. The
goal of the present investigation is to: (1) understand
the physical and chemical processes of fire suppression
in various gravity and O2 levels simulating spacecraft,
Mars, and moon missions; (2) provide rigorous testing of
analytical models, which include detailed
combustion-suppression chemistry and radiation
sub-models, so that the model can be used to interpret
(and predict) the suppression behavior in low gravity;
and (3) provide basic research results useful for
advances in space fire safety technology, including new
fire-extinguishing agents and approaches.
Building and Fire Research Laboratory
National Institute of Standards and Technology
Gaithersburg, MD 20899