Objective Objectives and content The ban of production of Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) means that alternative methods must be considered for effective suppression and extinguishment of fires in those applications for which CFCs (including halon) are presently the only solution. This programme has been proposed to ensure continued European commitment to the safety of potential halon replacement systems. Investigations are ongoing to find a replacement agent for halon. Water mist, alternative gases and powders are all being considered. All of these potential replacements are significantly different in their operation and behaviour to halon based systems. Current Fire Detection systems in aircraft are quite basic in their operation and present one major drawback. An estimated 95% of all reported warnings are false, and these warnings have a direct effect on the operational cost of an aircraft. This research programme investigates both problems of a replacement agent for halon, and a more reliable and effective detection and control system. This project describes an innovative approach to obtaining an environmentally friendly, cost effective replacement of halon based systems by understanding the characteristics of such fire hazards, development of appropriate software models and by validating the models using actual fire test facilities. The proposal concentrates on water mist as the agent since it is cheap, environmentally friendly and requires no special handling for use. An analysis of the test results will enable the design of an improved control and detection system to be performed which will be capable of using the agent more effectively and economically, and thus containing the fire without a major release of the agent. In addition, certification of fire detection systems are both costly and time consuming because of the numerous fire tests required. One benefit envisaged from this programme will be a software modelling tool which will assist both industry and the authorities in certifying detection systems. This will allow for more timely certification at reduced costs to industry. The software models to be developed and validated will comprise the following: - A fire model capable of predicting the spread of fire hazards throughout the atmosphere of a forced ventilated enclosure, subject to a fire of prescribed characteristics. - A model which predicts the activation of fire sensors within a forced ventilated enclosure. - A water mist/fire atmosphere interaction model. - A fire suppression model This suite of software models will allow for fire scenario predictions in various geometric environments and to be used to reduce design cycle of a fire suppression system. Initial research has been conducted by the members of the Consortium to prove the feasibility of the proposed models and the water mist system. The research activities for the work programme provide a structured approach and builds on this early work. Fields of science natural sciencescomputer and information sciencessoftwareengineering and technologyelectrical engineering, electronic engineering, information engineeringelectronic engineeringcontrol systemsengineering and technologymechanical engineeringvehicle engineeringaerospace engineeringaircraftengineering and technologyelectrical engineering, electronic engineering, information engineeringelectronic engineeringsensors Programme(s) FP4-BRITE/EURAM 3 - Specific research and technological development programme in the field of industrial and materials technologies, 1994-1998 Topic(s) 030105 - Technologies for aircraft safety Call for proposal Data not available Funding Scheme CSC - Cost-sharing contracts Coordinator GEC Marconi Avionics EU contribution No data Address Airport Works ME1 2XX Rochester United Kingdom See on map Total cost No data Participants (5) Sort alphabetically Sort by EU Contribution Expand all Collapse all Cerberus Guinard SA France EU contribution No data Address 617,Rue Fourny 78531 Buc See on map Total cost No data Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) United Kingdom EU contribution No data Address RH6 0YR Gatwick See on map Total cost No data Foundation for Technical and Industrial Research at the Norwegian Instituteof Technology Norway EU contribution No data Address Tiller Bru 7034 Trondheim See on map Total cost No data NATIONAL TECHNICAL UNIVERSITY OF ATHENS Greece EU contribution No data Address 9,Heroon Polytechniou 9 15780 ATHENS See on map Total cost No data University of Greenwich United Kingdom EU contribution No data Address Wellington Street Woolwich SE18 6PF London See on map Total cost No data
