- Author
- Takahashi, F. | Linteris, G. T. | Katta, V. R.
- Title
- Experimental And Numerical Evaluation Of Gaseous Agents For Suppressing Cup-Burner Flames In Low-Gravity.
- Coporate
- National Center for Microgravity Research on Fluids and Combustion National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, MD Innovative Scientific Solutions, Inc.
- Report
- NASA/CP2003-212376/REV1
- Book or Conf
- Microgravity Combustion asnd Chemically Reacting Systems, 7th International Workshop. Sponsored by NASA Microgravity Science Division. Hosted by NASA Glenn Research Center. June 3-6, 2003, Cleveland, OH, 277-280 p., 2003
- Keywords
- fire suppression | gravity | halon alternatives | microgravity
- Abstract
- Longer duration missions to the moon, to Mars, and on the International Space Station (ISS) increase the likelihood of accidental fires. NASAs fire safety program for human-crewed space flight is based largely on removing ignition sources and controlling the flammability of the material on-board. There is ongoing research to improve the flammability characterization of materials in low gravity; however, very little research has been conducted on fire suppression in the low-gravity environment. Although the existing suppression systems aboard the Space Shuttle (halon 1301, CF3Br) and the ISS (CO2 or water-based form) may continue to be used, alternative effective agents or techniques are desirable for long-duration missions. The goal of the present investigation is to: (1) understand the physical and chemical processes of fire suppression in various gravity and O2 levels simulating spacecraft, Mars, and moon missions; (2) provide rigorous testing of analytical models, which include detailed combustion-suppression chemistry and radiation sub-models, so that the model can be used to interpret (and predict) the suppression behavior in low gravity; and (3) provide basic research results useful for advances in space fire safety technology, including new fire-extinguishing agents and approaches.