Extinguishability of Flammable Textiles: Part Vi. Contact Type Test Devices

Abstract

The objective of this study is to provide an understanding of how ex tinguishability may be measured using slapping as the strategy of extinguish ment. The slapping device utilized consisted of a stationary backboard and a mechanized moveable board which made contact with the backboard. Between these two boards was a strip of burning fabric. Initial experiments utilized the time to extinguish, and investigated variables such as differing slapper designs and fabric burning parameters. Later experiments measured heat transfer dur ing extinguishment with a redesigned slapping device. Separate studies of ex tinguishing burning fabrics on mannequins did not fully agree with findings from the slapping device. In the heat transfer experiments, ANOVA interac tions of fiber type, fabric weight and test criteria were found to significantly in fluence heat transfer during extinguishment. Regression analysis found fiber type and test criteria significant, but weave and weight were found to in significantly affect heat measurements during extinguishment. Extinguishment by slapping is a dynamic test and there are many variables that are difficult to control. Thus, slapping or contacting methodologies are not sufficiently developed for use as a standardized test method for extinguishability.