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Author
Pocinki, L. S. | Kaplan, L. D. | Cornell, M. E.
Title
Advanced Risk Assessment of the Effects of Graphite Fibers on Electronic and Electric Equipment. Phase 1. Final Report.
Coporate
ORI, Inc., Silver Spring, MD
Sponsor
National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Hampton, VA
Report
NASA CR 159027, May 1979, 197 p.
Distribution
Available from National Technical Information Service
Contract
NAS1-15379
Keywords
risk assessment | graphite | fibers | electronics | electrical equipment | commercial aircraft | composite materials | airports
Abstract
ORI, Inc., in Phase 1 of its NASA Contract No. NAS1-15379, developed a model to generate quantitative estimates of the risk associated with the release of graphite fibers during fires involving commercial aircraft constructed with graphite fiber composite materials. The model was used to estimate the risk associated with accidents at several U.S. airports. These results were then combined to provide an estimate of the total risk to the nation. Composite material formed of graphite fibers encased in epoxy resin provides a material strong and light enough to replace aluminum, steel, or titanium in many applications. Evidence exists that these fibers can cause failures of exposed electrical, electronic, and power equipment. Further, burning of the composite material can result in the release of fibers into the environment. Thus, fires involving the composite material can result in accidental release of graphite (carbon) fibers in amounts sufficient to damage electrical or electronic equipment, and pose a hazard to the population near the accident site. The probability of such accidental release and subsequent dissemination of critical amounts of carbon fiber is not known, and therefore the associated risk cannot be accurately quantified. However, the use of graphite fiber composite material is expcected to increase rapidly, and the risk will undergo a corresponding increase.