The Problem
Suppression Systems:
- Fixed halon systems are the most common form of fire suppressant, and are used exclusively in aircraft.
- With the introduction of the production ban of Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), aircraft manufacturers and operators require alternative suppression systems.
- Industry is therefore investigating alternative fire suppression and fire extinguishing systems:
- Water mist, powders, alternative gas.
- These are significantly different in their operation and behaviour to halon based systems.
- There is a strong need for tools to reduce the number of fire tests during the development and certification of these systems:
- The ability to be able to optimise the system for minimum water weight without the need to conduct fire tests, will reduce both development costs of the system and reduce airline operational costs.