Post-Flashover fIres in Shipboard Compartments Aboard ex-USS SHADWELL. Phase 4. Impact of Navy Fire Insulation

Abstract : As part of the Internal Ship Conflagration Control Project, a post- flashover fire was created in the port wing wall of the fire test ship, ex-USS SHADWELL. Prior tests indicated that standard Navy mineral wool degraded when exposed to postflashover compartment temperatures. In this test series, the performance of standard Navy insulation with protective coatings and alternative materials were evaluated. The results of earlier testing were confirmed. The mineral wool degrades when subjected to temperatures on the order of 1000 deg C. When attached to the overhead, the material lacks mechanical strength in a fire. The data suggest, however, that critical temperatures (232 deg C) on the unexposed side of the steel may be reached in about the same time even if 2.5-cm (1-in.) thick mineral wool stays in place. Protective coatings testing was ineffective in delaying heat transfer. A candidate replacement material, Manville Structo-gard, showed improved heat transfer characteristics when tested using two 1.6-cm (5/8-in.) thick layers compared to the standard Navy mineral wool.... Fire test, Fire modeling, Passive protection, Post-flashover fire, Fire insulation, Marine fire protection