Course Objective & Organization

Expect comprehensive evaluation of aircraft fires and explosions due to accidents, terrorist attacks and combat operations. Employing selective case studies illustrated by videotapes, photographs and calculations, this course details accident investigation procedures, full scale tests conducted by the FAA, NTSB, DOD and NASA, small scale tests and modeling. The gap between theory and practice and between what is known (in accidents) is bridged through the following provisions:

• An understanding of fundamental, 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 and Terrorist Attacks

1.1 Threat 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

• Penetration and Perforation
• Panel Deformation and Structural Failure
• Dry & Weapon Bay Fires; Cook-Off
• DHL Baghdad, Concorde CDG

1.3 Survivability in Combat Conditions

• History of JLF and LFT&E Legislation
• Fixed & Rotary Wing Aircraft
• Lessons Learned and Trade-Offs
• Implications to Homeland Security

Day 2. Fuel-Related Fires and Explosions

2.1 Fundamentals

• Fuels, Hydraulic Fluids and Oils
• Vapor Liquid Equilibrium, Flash Point
• Ignition Sources, Deflagration

2.2 Fuel Tank Safety

• SFAR 88: Lessons Learned
• N₂ Inerting: 9% vs. 12% O₂
• BlazeTank Model (TWA Flight 800)

2.3 Engine Fires

• Engine Burst (Sioux City, IA)
• Hot Surface Ignition Temperaute vs. Autoignition Temperature(F-16, F-18 and AV8-B)
• Fire Detection and Suppression
• Halon Replalcement Agents; Clutter Effects

2.4 Post-Crash Fires

• Pool Fires (AMK Controlled Impact Demo, Air France, Toronto)
• Post-Crash Fire in Buildings (Sept. 11)

Day 3. Polymeric Material Fires

3.1 Fundamentals

• Polymers, Fabrics, Foams, Panels
• Ignition, Flaming, Smoldering
• Mechanical Degradation of Composites
• Test Methods
• FAA Requirements and Certifications

3.2 Flammability of Assemblies

• Acoustic Insulation
• Seats and Panel Materials

3.3 Cabin Fires

• Breached Fuselage vs. Burnthrough; Flashover (Full Scale FAA Tests)
• 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. Aircraft Accident Investigation

4.1 Investigation Process

• On-site Issues and Task List
• Aircraft Risk Matrix
• Construction of Timeline/Damage Sequence

4.2 Fire/Explosion Pattern Recognition

• In-Flight vs. Ground Fires
• Pre- vs. Post-Crash Fires
• Explosive Detonation vs. Vapor Explosion

4.3 Other Forensic Tools

• Morphology, Chemical and Thermal Analyses
• Organizations Review (Columbia Shuttle)
• Use of Scale Tests and Models (TWA 800)

For references discussed in this course click here

Schedule and Location

October 23 - 26, 2007

Tuesday to Friday 8:00a.m.-5:00p.m.

Cambridge, MA

Registration

One can register for any combination of days:

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

For registration and additional information, click here for brochure.

To view previous companies that have attended this course and testimonials, click here .

To obtain information on future offerings of this course, click here.