Modeling of aircraft fire suppression system by the lumped parameter approach

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to determine the halon concentration time-evolution inside an aircraft cargo compartment to design fire extinguishing systems.

Design/methodology/approach

A fire suppression system is numerically simulated using the lumped parameter approach.

Findings

The halon volumetric concentration, halon and air mass fluxes and the cargo compartment pressure are numerically calculated. It also determines the time to halon concentration to achieve the fire suppressant value (high pressure bottle) as well as its inerting volumetric concentration (low pressure bottle).

Research limitations/implications

In the lumped parameter approach, the dependent variables of interest are a function of time alone, and its spatial distribution is neglected.

Practical implications

This study predicts the fire extinguishing agent behavior aiming to satisfy cargo compartment certification requirements.

Originality/value

This paper uses a simplified methodology, but it represents a very useful tool during the preliminary stages of the aircraft fire suppression systems design.

Citation

Kurokawa, F.Y., de Andrade, C.R. and Zaparoli, E.L. (2016), "Modeling of aircraft fire suppression system by the lumped parameter approach", Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, Vol. 88 No. 4, pp. 535-539. https://doi.org/10.1108/AEAT-10-2014-0174