ISSN: 1546-962X
Published Online: 10 September 2009
Page Count: 11

Determination of Burn Criterion for Promoted Combustion Testing

Sparks, Kyle M.
Mechanical Engineer,NASA Test and Evaluation Contract,NM,

Stoltzfus, Joel M.
Laboratories Office, NASA Johnson Space Center White Sands Test Facility,NM,

Steinberg, Theodore A.
Senior Lecturer,School of Engineering Systems, Queensland University of Technology (QUT),QLD,

Lynn, David
Postgraduate Student,School of Engineering Systems, Queensland University of Technology (QUT),QLD,

(Received 27 January 2009; accepted 18 August 2009)

Abstract

Promoted ignition testing [1–3] is used to determine the relative flammability of metal rods in oxygen-enriched atmospheres. In these tests, a promoter is used to ignite each metal rod to start the sample burning. Experiments were performed to better understand the promoted ignition test by obtaining insight into the effect a burning promoter has on the preheating of a test sample. Test samples of several metallic materials were prepared and coupled to fast-responding thermocouples along their length. Various ignition promoters were used to ignite the test samples. The thermocouple measurements and test video were synchronized to determine temperature increase with respect to time and length along each test sample. A recommended length of test sample that must be consumed to be considered a flammable material was determined based on the preheated zone measured from these tests. This length was determined to be 30 mm (1.18 in.). Validation of this length and its rationale are presented.

Keywords:
Oxygen, ignition, temperature, burning, rods, flammability, promoted combustion, heat affected, promoter, WSTF

Paper ID: JAI102351
DOI: 10.1520/JAI102351
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