Aircraft Hangar Fire Threat Study and Analysis

This study evaluated the fire threat associated with the use of JP-8 as compared to the fire threat associated with the use of JP-4 during normal hangar aircraft maintenance operations. Evaluations included fuel ignition sources, flame spread, flat-plate fuel spills and fire energy releases. JP-4, JP-8 and JP-5 fuels were tested in the analytical chemistry facility walk-in hood to determine the ignition characteristics for each when exposed to an electrical arc and a flame. The fuels were tested for vapor ignition height above the surface of a fuel spill. Flame spread rate tests were also conducted in the walk-in hood. Flame spread tests were conducted in a controlled temperature V-shaped trough. Fuel temperatures were varied from 80 to 160 deg F for all of the above tests. JP-4 and JP-8 were evaluated at Test Range I and Test Range II for ignition characteristics when exposed to hazardous electrical tools and equipment, welding and acetylene cutting operations, electrical arcs and ignited matches. Flat-plate fire intensity tests were conducted inside of a Third-Generation Aircraft Shelter, with a 30 foot high ceiling. Fuels were spilled and burned inside a 20' X 18' steel test pan on an 18' X 18', four inch thick concrete pad. These tests evaluated JP-4, JP-8 and JP-5 flat-plate fuel spills and fires. Temperature and heat flux data was collected and analyzed to compare fire intensities.Air Force Research Lab Tyndall Afb Fl Materials and Manufacturing Directorate is the author of 'Aircraft Hangar Fire Threat Study and Analysis' with ISBN 9781423561934 and ISBN 1423561937.