Fluid Dynamics of Agent Discharge.
Fluid Dynamics of Agent Discharge.
(14689 K)
Pitts, W. M.; Yang, J. C.; Gmurczyk, G. W.; Cooper, L.
Y.; Grosshandler, W. L.; Cleveland, W. G.; Presser, C.
NIST SP 861; April 1994.
Evaluation of Alternative In-Flight Fire Suppressants
for Full-Scale Testing in Simulated Aircraft Engine
Nacelles and Dry Bays. Section 3, Grosshandler, W. L.;
Gann, R. G.; Pitts, W. M., Editor(s)(s), 37-343 pp,
1994.
Available from:
Government Printing Office
Order number: SN003-003-03268-9
Keywords:
halons; fluid dynamics; discharge rate; dispersions;
equations; sprays
Abstract:
The extinguishment of a fire using gaseous agents is a
very complicated process which is not completely
understood. Current fire-fighting agents such as halon
1301 and halon 1211 are believed to function by a
combination of chemical (catalytic removal of hydrogen
atoms at the flame front due to the presence of bromine
atoms) and physical (cooling and dilution of flame
gases) actions. All of the proposed alternative agents
are known to be less effective (i.e., considerably
higher molar concentrations of the agent are required)
than halon 1301. This reduction in effectiveness is
attributed to the absence of bromine atoms in these
chemicals and thus the absence of a highly effective
chemical means of fire extinguishment.
Building and Fire Research Laboratory
National Institute of Standards and Technology
Gaithersburg, MD 20899