Citation

Tewarson A. J. Fire Sci. 2000; 18(3): 183-214.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2000, SAGE Publishing)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Nonmetallic material flammability on Oxygen Enriched Atmospheres (OEA) is discussed with explanations based on the latest scientific understanding. Flammability consists of a combination of the ignition, combustion, and fire propagation behaviors of materials. Application of the newly developed test methods and advanced-engineering polymers for OEA conditions are discussed. The test methods use high oxygen concentration, pressure, and external heat flux to simulate large-scale fire environments. Pressure and external heat flux effects are complementary and appear to have a stronger effect on the flammability of materials than the oxygen concentration. High oxygen concentration in combination with external heat flux provides similar heat flux exposure to materials as normal atmosphere at high pressures. Results are presented for flame heat flux transferred back to the surface of the burning materials under high pressure (normal air) and high oxygen concentrations (at atmospheric pressure). The use of newly developed test methods is suggested for evaluating the probability of fires in OEA facilities such as hyperbaric chambers.