Combustion Characteristics in Different Spacecraft Atmospheres

Abstract : The objective of the experimental program was to compare the combustion properties of an object burning in various spacecraft atmospheres. Squares of 2 x 2 in. cotton cloth were ignited in five mixed-gas and pure-O2 atmospheric compositions at two different temperature levels in initial combustion tests. The combustion-rate tests revealed that He-O2 has a longer ignition time, faster combustion rate, and shorter total burning time than the N2-O2 atmosphere. (Abstract Modified Abstract)