The Testing of THERMAL Protective Clothing in a Reproducible Fuel Fire Environment, A Feasibility Study

Abstract : The report sets forth the conceptual design for a facility intended for development and evaluation of thermal protective clothing in a reproducible fuel fire environment. The methods developed relate thermal characteristics of fabrics to biomedical aspects of burn prevention. A number of bioengineering problems are identified, the resolution of which is expensive and time consuming. It is concluded that construction of the facility designed is technically feasible. Due to the magnitude and complexity of the bioengineering problems identified, and because of advances in laboratory testing methods, however, construction of such a facility is not considered to be a prudent expenditure of public funds at this time. Operationally oriented bioengineering/ aeromedical evaluation of thermal protective clothing systems remains essential.