Experimental And Numerical Evaluation Of GaseousAgents For Suppressing Cup-Burner Flames In Low-Gravity

Published

June 1, 2003

Author(s)

F Takahashi, Gregory T. Linteris, V Katta

Abstract

Longer duration missions to the moon, to Mars, and on the International Space Station (ISS)increase the likelihood of accidental fires. NASA s fire safety program for human-crewed spaceflight is based largely on removing ignition sources and controlling the flammability of thematerial on-board. There is ongoing research to improve the flammability characterization ofmaterials in low gravity; however, very little research has been conducted on fire suppression inthe low-gravity environment. Although the existing suppression systems aboard the SpaceShuttle (halon 1301, CF3Br) and the ISS (CO2 or water-based form) may continue to be used,alternative effective agents or techniques are desirable for long-duration missions.The goal of the present investigation is to: (1) understand the physical and chemicalprocesses of fire suppression in various gravity and O2 levels simulating spacecraft, Mars, andmoon missions; (2) provide rigorous testing of analytical models, which include detailedcombustion-suppression chemistry and radiation sub-models, so that the model can be used tointerpret (and predict) the suppression behavior in low gravity; and (3) provide basic researchresults useful for advances in space fire safety technology, including new fire-extinguishingagents and approaches.

Proceedings Title

Seventh International Workshop on Microgravity Combustion and Chemically Reacting Systems

Conference Dates

June 3-6, 2003

Conference Location

Undefined

Conference Title

Microgravity Combustion Workshop

Pub Type

Conferences

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Keywords

cup-burner, fire suppressants, fire suppression, halon replacements, microgravity, unicorn

Citation

Takahashi, F. , Linteris, G. and Katta, V. (2003), Experimental And Numerical Evaluation Of GaseousAgents For Suppressing Cup-Burner Flames In Low-Gravity, Seventh International Workshop on Microgravity Combustion and Chemically Reacting Systems, Undefined, [online], https://tsapps.nist.gov/publication/get_pdf.cfm?pub_id=861232 (Accessed October 17, 2025)