Smoldering is a basic combustion problem that presents a fire risk because it is initiated at low temperatures and because the reaction can propagate slowly in the material interior and go undetected for long periods of time. It yields a higher conversion of fuel to toxic compounds than does flaming, and may undergo a transition to flaming. To date there have been a few minor incidents of overheated and charred cables and electrical components reported on Space Shuttle flights. With the establishment of the International Space Station, and the planning of a potential manned mission to Mars, there has been an increased interest in the study of smoldering in microgravity. The Microgravity Smoldering Combustion (MSC) experiment is part of a study of the smolder characteristics of porous combustible materials in a spacecraft environment. The aim of the experiment is to provide a better fundamental understanding of the controlling mechanisms of smoldering combustion under normal- and microgravity conditions. This in turn will aid in the prevention and control of smolder originated fires, both on earth and in spacecrafts.


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    Title :

    Forced Forward Smoldering Experiments Aboard the Space Shuttle


    Contributors:
    A. C. Fernandez-Pello (author) / A. BarIlan (author) / G. Rein (author) / D. L. Urban (author) / J. L. Torero (author)

    Publication date :

    2004


    Size :

    4 pages


    Type of media :

    Report


    Type of material :

    No indication


    Language :

    English




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