- Author
- Kimzey, J. H.
- Title
- Flammability During Weightlessness.
- Coporate
- Manned Spacecraft Center, Houston, TX
- Sponsor
- National Aeronautics and Space Admin., Washington, DC
- Report
- NASA TM X-58001, May 1966, 12 p.
- Book or Conf
- Institute of Environmental Sciences. 12th Annual Technical Meeting. April 13, 1966., San Diego, CA, 1966
- Keywords
- spacecraft | weightlessness | flammability | paraffins | styrenes | oxygen atmosphere
- Identifiers
- microgravity
- Abstract
- A series of experiments was conducted to learn the effects of weightlessness or zero gravity on a flame. This program was undertaken so that the seriousness of an accidental fire in a spacecraft may be evaluated, and means of controlling such an event may be developed. Many materials in a spacecraft are flammable. A fire could result from any number of malfunctions in the l00 percent oxygen environment. Only two instances were found in the liteature regarding flammability in zero gravity. In 1956, Kumagai and Isoda reported on combustion of liquid droplets in a falling chamber. Data showed that as the droplet diameter decreased, the flame diameter increased. Time was less than one-third second. Next, Hall in 1963 observed a burning candle in aircraft tests with intervals reported to be as long as 25 to 28 seconds. He concluded that the coloration change to deep blue, and some thermocouple data, indicated a somewhat hotter flame than in 1 g. Both of these earlier workers indicated that a steady-state condition existed.