- Author
- Radnofsky, M. I.
- Title
- New Materials for Manned Spacecraft, Aircraft, and Other Applications.
- Coporate
- National Aeronautics and Space Admin., Houston, TX
- Report
- NASA CR TM X-14330,
- Distribution
- Available from National Technical Information Service
- Book or Conf
- National Aerospace and Space Administration. NASA Conference on Materials for Improved Fire Safety. May 6-7, 1970., Houston, TX, 10/1-4 p., 1970
- Keywords
- spacecraft | flameproofing | aircraft interiors | odors | toxic gases | nonmetallic materials | fire resistant materials | technology utilization | oxygen atmosphere
- Identifiers
- materials flammability
- Abstract
- Although the overall objectives of fireproofing a spacecraft cabin are similar to those of fireproofing an aircraft interior, some significant differences merit consideration in the final selection of materials. The spacecraft crew bay contains a closed environment, while an aircraft cabin contains a ventilated, open environment. Therefore, considerations of odor and toxic offgassing are much more critical for spacecraft than for aircraft. In addition, manned spacecraft to date have operated in space with a 100 percent oxygen atmosphere, while most aircraft operate with an air or mixed-air-and-oxygen atmosphere. This factor has severely limited the use of materials in spacecraft interiors because very few nonmetallic materials exist that will not burn in oxygen. Other considerations (durability, aesthetics, and color selection) vary between the aircraft and the spacecraft.