Effect of Ignition Conditions on Upward Flame Spread on a Composite Material in a Corner Configuration.
Effect of Ignition Conditions on Upward Flame Spread on
a Composite Material in a Corner Configuration.
(1059 K)
Ohlemiller, T. J.; Cleary, T. G.; Shields, J. R.
Materials and Process Challenges: Aging Systems,
Affordability, Alternative Applications. SAMPE
Symposium and Exhibition, 41st International
Proceedings. Volume 41. Book 1. Society for the
Advancement of Material and Process Engineering (SAMPE).
March 24-28, 1996, Anaheim, CA, Schmitt, G.; Bauer, J.;
Magnurany, C. J.; Hurley, C., Editor(s)(s), 734-747 pp,
1998.
Fire Safety Journal, Vol. 31, No. 4, 331-344, November
1998.
Sponsor:
Naval Surface Warfare Center, Annapolis, MD
Keywords:
composite materials; ignition; flame spread; fire
growth; ignition source; flame spread rate; heat release
rate; structures; construction materials; intumescent
coatings
Abstract:
This paper focuses on the issue of fire growth on
composite materials beyond the region immediately
subjected to an ignition source. Suppression of this is
one of the key issues in realizing the safe usage of
composite structural materials. A vinyl ester glass
composite was tested in the form of a 90 deg corner
configuration with an inert ceiling segment 2.44 m above
the top of the fire source. The igniter was a propane
burner, either 23 or 38 cm in width with power output
varied from 30 to 150 kW. Upward flame spread rate and
heat release rate were measured mainly for a brominated
vinyl ester resin but limited results were also obtained
for a non flame retarded vinyl ester and a similar
composite coated with an intumescent paint. Rapid fire
growth beyond the igniter region was seen for the
largest igniter power case; the intumescent coating
successfully prevented fire growth for this case.
Building and Fire Research Laboratory
National Institute of Standards and Technology
Gaithersburg, MD 20899