UNLIMITED POTENTIALS WITH FIRE SCIENCE

Dr. Heather L GartenEmbry-Riddle Aeronautical University WorldwideGarten Solutions, LLCheather@gartensolutionsllc.com

OUTLINE

Background Current Research Goals for this project

Successes due to this beginning research Goals for Future Projects ERAU Worldwide Fire Science Questions/Comments

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 COMPOSITES AND 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 (1)

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 CONCERN (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)

Possible chemical interaction between foam and composites Not much research here Safety for both passengers and fire-

fighters Technology changes rapidly

Both foam and composites How do we quickly test and mitigate before

implementation?

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 Success here: Company contacted me after

webinar Circuit board continued to malfunction

Found carbon fibers in circuit board Hypothesis: Fibers small enough to

incinerate from heat of board/device thus releasing electrical interference

ENVIRONMENT (3)

Incineration of carbon fiber not recommended for disposal continued… 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!!! Space X, Blue Origin, and many others are

partnering with local schools to enable projects to go into space

Great opportunity to expand your research

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 SHRM found employees are positively impacted

by environmental efforts at workplace 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

Certain pitches are used more today than in the past three centuries

Z12 Entropy-how many times the pitch occurs Reason? Sure there is!

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

ERAU FIRE SCIENCE PROGRAM:THE PERFECT PACKAGE FOR RESEARCH

FIRE SCIENCE

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE DEGREE

Program Chair: Dr. Ron WakehamAssociate Chairs: Dr. Rene Herron

MS. M.K. Gorman Dr. John Griffith

•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

Fire Science Degree Related Occupations

• 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.)

Dr. Heather L Gartenheather@gartensolutionsllc.com

817.818.7474

QUESTIONS?