Laboratory- and full-scale fire tests were conducted on a number of different types of aircraft seat cushion materials to determine the applicability of the current weight loss criteria specified in Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 25.853(c)Appendix F Part II (herein referred to as Appendix F Part II) to new, very lightweight cushion designs. Cushion samples were initially tested in accordance with the current standard, and if they exceeded the 10% weight loss criteria, they were evaluated under full-scale fire test conditions. The full-scale tests were conducted with a modified narrow-body fuselage test article exposed to an adjacent fuel pan fire to simulate a severe but survivable postimpact cabin fire. Four triple-seat frames used to mount the cushion samples were installed inside the test article. Aircraft-grade honeycomb sidewall, ceiling panels, and carpet were also installed in the vicinity of the seat frames to simulate a realistic aircraft cabin. Laboratory-scale tests were completed on one set of standard fire-blocked cushions that met the current Appendix F Part II requirement, in addition to four lightweight materials. The standard fire-blocked cushions were then run under full-scale conditions to provide a baseline of the current level of fire safety, followed by full-scale tests of the four lightweight materials. Results indicated that several of the lightweight seat materials that failed the weight loss criteria specified in Appendix F Part II did not result in greater fire hazards than the baseline materials when tested under realistic full-scale conditions. A conservative adjustment to the current weight loss criteria was developed to allow the use of very lightweight seat cushion materials that exhibit acceptable fire performance.


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    Title :

    Laboratory-Scale and Full-Scale Fire Testing of Lightweight Aircraft Seat Cushion Materials


    Contributors:

    Publication date :

    2007


    Size :

    49 pages


    Type of media :

    Report


    Type of material :

    No indication


    Language :

    English






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