Validation and Verification (V and V) Testing on Midscale Flame Resistant (FR) Test Method

Abstract : The Midscale Test for FR Performance was developed to complement the capabilities of the ASTM F1930 Standard Test Method for Evaluation of Flame Resistant Clothing for Protection against Fire Simulations Using an Instrumented Manikin. Validation and Verification (V and V) testing was carried out to assess the repeatability of the new test method and to compare results obtained from the Midscale test and the F1930. Materials from the Army Air Crew Combat Uniform (A2CU), the Flame Resistant Army Combat Uniform (FRACU) and the Improved Combat Vehicle Coverall (iCVC) were tested using the Midscale apparatus and F1930 testing was performed on all three garment systems for comparison. Comparison of the Midscale flat plate test results with the manikin tests shows that both tests predict second degree burn injury (depth of burn between 75 and 1200 m) according to the F1930. The injury prediction from the Midscale cylindrical test form was higher, with third degree burns predicted for all systems/materials. The results demonstrated that the Midscale test is a quick and cost-effective method for evaluation of FR performance of design features or for observation of material behavior in a flame engulfment scenario.