- Author
- McHale, E. T.
- Title
- Habitable Atmospheres Which Do Not Support Combustion.
- Coporate
- Atlantic Research Corp., Alexandria, VA
- Report
- NASA SP-298,
- Distribution
- Available from National Technical Information Service
- Book or Conf
- Institute of Environmental Sciences, American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, American Society for Testing and Materials and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. Space Simulation. Paper No. 30. May 1-3, 1972., New York City, NY, 331-336 p., 1972
- Keywords
- combustion | oxygen enriched atmospheres | fire prevention | animals | life support systems | toxicity
- Identifiers
- atmospheres
- Abstract
- It appears that habitable atmospheres can be developed in which humans will be able to live and function normally for extended periods of time with no physiological harm, but which at the same time will not support combustion of ordinary materials such as paper, cloth, gasoline, etc. These atmospheres might contain 3 psia partial pressure of oxygen as does ordinary air, or oxygen-enriched atmospheres as used in aerospace environments could be employed. In addition, certain inert polyatomic gases, namely, CF4, CsF6 or C3F8, are incorporated into the atmosphere. These impart the property of completely suppressing flammability, while retaining the life support capability. A major program is being conducted to evaluate the validity of the concept. The program involves measurement of materials flammability in the atmospheres, determination of the stability of the atmospheres under fire conditions, and an animal toxicology study which will include cardiac sensitization tests. Program results to date, while favorable, are incomplete. The study will be completed in March 1972.