SEDL / STP / STP1150-EB / STP23789S

Fire Hazard Assessment of Composite Materials: The Use and Limitations of Current Hazard Analysis Methodology

DiNenno, PJ
Vice president and technical director, Hughes Associates, Inc., Columbia, MD

Beyler, CL
Vice president and technical director, Hughes Associates, Inc., Columbia, MD

Pages: 13    Published: Jan 1992

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Abstract

This paper reviews the application of current fire hazard analysis methods to the evaluation of composite materials. Problems and limitations of hazard assessment procedures are identified, and alternative techniques and strategies are presented. The application of the HAZARD I fire hazard assessment procedure to the use of composites is addressed explicitly. Problem areas include: development of acceptance criteria, scenario development, and hazard calculation. Specifically, scaling problems, flame spread, exposure quantification, and mechanical response of composites to fire exposure are addressed. It is suggested that significant limitations in both the approach and technical capability of current hazard assessment procedures are significant. These limitations however do not preclude hazard analyses per se.