Nonmetallic Material Flammability in Oxygen Enriched Atmospheres

Abstract

Nonmetallic material flammability on Oxygen Enriched Atmo spheres (OEA) is discussed with explanations based on the latest scientific un derstanding. Flammability consists of a combination of the ignition, combustion, and fire propagation behaviors of materials. Application of the newly developed test methods and advanced-engineering polymers for OEA con ditions are discussed. The test methods use high oxygen concentration, pres sure, and external heat flux to simulate large-scale fire environments. Pressure and external heat flux effects are complementary and appear to have a stronger effect on the flammability of materials than the oxygen concentration. High oxy gen concentration in combination with external heat flux provides similar heat flux exposure to materials as normal atmosphere at high pressures. Results are presented for flame heat flux transferred back to the surface of the burning materials under high pressure (normal air) and high oxygen concentra tions (at atmospheric pressure). The use of newly developed test methods is sug gested for evaluating the probability of fires in OEA facilities such as hyperbaric chambers.