Thank you for joining the Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Webinar!

“Mitigating the Potential Fire Hazards of Composite Materials”

The Webinar will begin at 12:15 p.m. Central Time

(10:15 a.m. Pacific/1:15 p.m. Eastern)

• Introductions

• Presentation by Dr. Heather Garten

• Questions and Answers

• Embry-Riddle Fire Science Degree

Today’s Agenda

Dr. Heather L. Garten

• Assistant Professor of Arts and Sciences at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Worldwide

• Earned a Ph.D. in Mathematics from Emory University

• With federal government for more than six years. Positions included research mathematician, director and branch chief

• CEO/President of Garten Solutions, LLC

Dr. Heather L. GartenEmbry-Riddle Aeronautical

University Worldwidegartenh@erau.edu

Aircraft Composites and Potential Fire Hazards

• Joel Manning, Volusia County Schools• Steve Garten, Manufacturing Guru• Mark Severson, ERAU Worldwide Master’s graduate/future PhD

student• Hilton Hollis, Fashion Engineer• Alan Bender• Rene Herron, MK Gorman and the FS Team• Jennifer Luke and the Orlando Campus• DFW FRTC• Dr. Bill Gibbs• Dr. Jim Schultz

Thanks to…

Outline• Background

• Current Research

• Goals for this project

• Goals for Future Projects

• Questions

• ERAU Worldwide Fire Science

Background (1)

• Boeing 787 Dreamliner Battery Fires 2013

– January 7-Japan Airlines at Logan

– January 9-United Airlines reports problem with wiring

– January 11-FAA announces comprehensive review

Background (2)

• Mark Severson’s Research• The Application of Advanced Composites for

the Construction of Commercial Transport Aircraft– How do we form a universal test for approving

composite materials for aircraft use?– DAMAGE DETECTION/STRUCTURAL HEALTH

• Research suggested the FAA continue to modify their testing of composite materials– Review industry standards versus FAA standards

• (New) Sound wave testing

Background (3)

• ERAU Worldwide Fire Science Program

– Partner with DFW Fire Training Research Center

• A-380 Trainer

• Hydrocarbon Pit– Heat associated with an actual Fire

– Environmentally friendly

Background (4)• Putting it all together:

• Composite materials are quickly becoming integrated into aircrafts

– ~50% of aircraft parts are now composite

• Light weight, high strength, and corrosion resistant

• Fire fighting techniques quickly changing

– Demand for greater environmentally friendly methods

Current Research on Compositesand Fire

Current Research (1)• April 2013 Boeing Fire Department Release

– 50% of Boeing 787 Composite (777 had 11%)– http://www.boeing.com/assets/pdf/commercial/airports/faqs/787_composite_arff_data.pdf

Current Research (2)

• Boeing April 2013 Release:

– Composites do not hinder firefighting

• Cutting through the Carbon Laminate Fuselage is easily accomplished

• Composites do not aid in the spread of fire

• Composite fuselage has longer burn time than aluminum AND transfers heat at a slower rate than aluminum

Fire Hazards and Undetected Composite Damage

Fire Hazards and Damage• If there is undetected damage, how does

this affect fire fighting?

– Are their dangers when cutting through the fuselage?

– Potential risks with pressure from the heat?

• Heathrow incident fire burned through the carbon-fiber– How fire resistant is it really?

– What temperatures are we looking at?

– If an anomaly, perhaps undetected damage?

Are there Unforeseen Health Risks?

Health Concerns (1)• The research on health risks with Carbon

Composite fires suggests more research is needed

– Carbon fibers released into the air during combustion

• Fibers contain toxic organic compounds

• Current research shows some fibers are small enough to be inhaled deep into the lungs– Would this number increase with longer burn times?

Higher burn temperatures?

Health Concerns (2)• The research on health risks with Carbon

Composite fires suggests more research is needed

– Carbon fibers released into the air during combustion

• Fibers contain toxic organic compounds

• Current research shows some fibers are small enough to be inhaled deep into the lungs– Would this number increase with longer burn times?

Higher burn temperatures?

The Environment

Environment (1)• Interaction of foam and carbon fibers

– Follow-on from health concern

– Unforeseen damage to the atmosphere?

• Currently research demonstrates the environmental safety of foam– Concern lies within the rapid introduction of composites

Environment (2)• Incineration of carbon fiber not

recommended for disposal

– Releases small electrical conductive fibers

• Can cause interference issues

– Greater issues given the probable location of the fire: Airport

• Fire onboard the plane: Would this pose a potential issue when trying to contact the plane?

Future Topics to Explore

Future Topics (1)• SPACE

– Space travel IS our present and future

• How do composites withstand atmospheric pressure changes?– Dangers involved with undetected damage

• Proper attire for space travel– Everyday people-MARKETING MARKETING MARKETING

– Need to combine the knowledge of fashion engineers and aerospace engineers to make this happen

Future Topics (2)• SPACE Continued

– Fires on these newly designed shuttles

• Wide open for research innovation!!!

Future Topics (3)• Cargo

– Plant and animals are being viewed differently

• Ensure cargo safety and care just as with humans

• Australia is at the forefront of animal care combined with travel

– Carbon fiber release in fires

• If plant/animal cargo inhale, what are dangers (or maybe benefits!) to humans?

Future Topics (4)• Music is a mathematical marvel

– How can we apply this to testing composites for damage?

– Already being looked into

– Sound needs a greater research outlet in all areas: Medicine, aerospace, agriculture, etc.

Questions?

Dr. Heather L. Garten

817-818-7474

gartenh@erau.edu

The ERAU Fire Science Program:The Perfect Package for Research

Bachelor of Science in Fire Science• Program Chair: Dr. Ron Wakeham

Associate Chairs: Dr. Rene HerronM.K. Gorman, M.S.Dr. John Griffith

Fire Science Degree Related Occupations• Public Safety Professionals

• Fire Service, Emergency Management, Medical Response, Dispatch

• Hazardous Materials• Engineering• Public Safety Administration• Forestry• Environmental Consulting• Occupational Health & Safety• Aviation Operations Manager/Security

• FESHE Recognized

•National Fire Academy certificates awarded with successful completion of FESHE courses

• SACS Accredited

• Regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools

• 100% ONLINE

•Taught by experts in field

• 2 Specializations

•Aviation Emergency Management

•Fire & Emergency Services

•ERAU – Worldwide and Dallas/Fort Worth Fire Training Research Center (DFW FTRC) have a Cooperative Agreement.

•Specific courses taken at DFW FTRC can count toward credit within Fire Science program at ERAU – Worldwide.

• Program specifics

• General Ed 36 credits• Program credits 51 credits• Open electives 15 credits• Specified electives 9 credits

TOTAL 120 credits

• Agreements:• Signed• DFW Fire & Research Training Facility• Technical Schools in State of Georgia• HOPE scholarship approved

• In pipeline• Aircraft Rescue & Fire Fighting (ARFF)• FDNY• Various Community Colleges•(examples: Allegheny, Greenville Technical, Prairie State, etc.)

• Program specifics

• General Ed 36 credits• Program credits 51 credits• Open electives 15 credits• Specified electives 9 credits

TOTAL 120 credits

Fall 2013 Webinars

• Sept. 26, Mohammed Arif: “Green Supply Chain”

• Oct. 8, Daniel Benny: “General Aviation Security”

• Oct. 22, Ed Knab: “Supply Chain Trends for 2014”

• Nov. 12, Scott Burgess: “Alpha and Omega: Program Outcomes to the Capstone”

• Nov. 26, Constantine Koursaris: “Promoting U.S. Exports and Commercial Involvement”

Dr. Heather L. Garten

gartenh@erau.edu

~~~

Bill Gibbs

bill.gibbs@erau.edu