Expect comprehensive evaluation of aircraft and unmanned systems fires and explosions due to accidents, combat and terrorist attacks. Employing selective case studies illustrated by videotapes, photographs and calculations, this course details prevention, survivability and accident investigation. Well characterized full scale tests by the FAA, NTSB, DOD, NASA and BlazeTech, are used to illustrate quantitatively what can happen in real life. The gap between theory and practice is bridged through the following provisions:

• Understanding of fundamentals, design and practical considerations, and calculation methods
• Documentation and references
• Dynamic class exchange; attendees are encouraged to discuss their current problems

Course is organized in four one-day modules that are seperate but complimentary. While we recommend taking the course in its entirety, registration can be customized depending on needs. A certificate of completion will be given. Each day is equivalent to one Continuing Education Credit.

Course Outline

Day 1. Vulnerability to Combat/Terrorism
(Restricted to U.S. citizens and permanent residents working for U.S. entities)

1.1 Threats Characterization

• Gun fire, RPG, IEDs and MANPADS
• Explosives and hazardous materials
• Blast from spherical vs. cylindrical charges
• Internal explosions and hydrodynamic ram

1.2 Response to Threat

• Shock tube, air/ram gun and flyer plate testing
• Penetration and perforation
• Local deformation vs. complete collapse
• Dry and weapon bay fires; cook-off
• DHL Baghdad, Concorde CDG

1.3 Survivability in Combat Conditions

• History of Joint Live Fire T&E legislation
• Fixed and rotary wing aircraft
• Lessons learned and trade-offs
• Implications to Homeland Security

Day 2. Fluids-Related Fire and Explosion

2.1 Flammability of Fuels, Oils and Hydraulics

• Vapor pressure, flash point, fire point
• Ignition, burning velocity, flame speed
• Deflagration vs. detonation

2.2 Fuel Tank Safety

• SFAR 88: lessons learned (TWA 800)
• N₂ Inerting: 9% vs. 12% O₂ (FRS 747)
• Predict fire and overpressure (BlazeTank)

2.3 Engine Fires

• Engine burst (Sioux City, IA)
• Hot surface vs. auto ignition temperautes (F-16, F-18 and AV8-B)
• Fire detection and suppression
• Halon replacement agents; clutter effects

2.4 Post-Crash Fires

• Pool fires (AMK demo, Air France, Toronto)
• Post-crash fire in buildings (Sept. 11)

Day 3. Materials-Related Fires

3.1 Flammability of Polymers & Composites

• Ignition, flaming, smoldering, smoke, toxicity
• Testing and predictive methods

3.2 Flammability of Assemblies

• Acoustic insulation
• Seat fabrics/foams and panel materials
• Magnesium fires
• FAR 25.853 test methods

3.3 Cabin Fires

• Breached fuselage vs. burn-through
• Flashover (full scale FAA tests)
• Aluminum vs. composites
• Passenger evacuation (Manchester, UK)

3.4 Fires in Cargo and Hidden Areas

• Electrical fires (Swiss Air 111)
• Fire detection and suppression
• ValuJet 592 and FedEx

Day 4. Accident Investigation

4.1 Investigative Process

• On-site issues
• Determining timeline and flight path

4.2 Fire/Explosion Pattern Recognition

• In-flight vs. ground fires
• Pre- vs. post-crash fires
• Fuel vapor explosion vs. explosives

4.3 Human Factors

• Organizational review (Columbia Shuttle)
• Safety management system & risk matrix

4.4 Other Forensic Tools

• Morphology, chemical and thermal analyses
• Use of scale tests and computational models

Lecturers

Dr. N. Albert Moussa

Technical Director of BlazeTech. He has over 30 years of experience in a wide variety of fires and explosions, and their impacts on the survivability of civilian and military aircraft. His work ranges from testing, analysis and modeling to accident investigation. His forewarning about aircraft fuel system vulnerabilities has gained him prominence in the media, including CBS and BBC. His credentials include: Engineer of the Year (2000) by the NE Section of AIAA, Best Paper Awards (AIAA 2005 and ASEI 2006), Associate Editor of an ASME Journal, AIAA Distinguished Lecturer, Author of one book and over 100 publications and reports. He received a B.S. from Stanford and an M.S. and Ph.D. from MIT, with both dissertations on fire.

Mr. James O'Bryon

Former Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense/Live Fire Testing. His experience includes aeroballistics and weapon effects at BRL, AMSAA, and JTCG/ME. He has testified before Congress and has published over 70 papers and reports. His degrees include an MSEE from MIT.

Mr. Chuck Leonard

Former NTSB Senior Investigator and a consultant to BlazeTech. He has investigated over 200 aircraft accidents around the world. He was a pilot with the Air Force and a major air carrier, accumulating over 17,000 flight hours. He has taught professional courses on aircraft accident investigation at the FAA Academy and universities.

Guest Lecturer

Varies from year to year.

You Should Attend If:

You are responsible for commercial or military aircraft or unmanned systems including design, operation, prevention, maintenance, testing or management of fire and explosion safety, combustible fluids, material specifications, detection and suppression systems, bomb threats and security, structural analysis, survivability, vulnerability, system safety, accident investigation, or risk analysis.

Schedule and Location

Next date and exact location (in the Greater Boston Area) to be announced.

Typically held Tuesday to Friday 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM.

Registration

Brochure / Register* for any combination of days by filling out and mailing/faxing the brochure.

*Prior to class date, registrant must make full payment and receive confirmation and course location from BlazeTech to be considered registered.

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