D
Preliminary Recommendations from the JTCG/AS Pk/h Workshop
Preliminary Recommendations from the Fuel System Working Panel of the 1991 JTCG/AS Pk/h Workshop:
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Develop the Ullage Explosion Model to calculate ullage vulnerability to explosions from API, HE, and fragment impacts.
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Reexamine the BRL Void Space Fire data to determine that the probabilities for fire due to fragments and 23-millimeter HE projectiles are consistent with other data.
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Modify the COVART model to handle the simultaneous analysis of thermal and mechanical damage to components.
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Determine how the BRL void space fire probabilities need to be modified for JP-5 and JP-8 fuel.
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Determine how the BRL void space fire probabilities will change from open to closed void spaces.
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Determine the probability of fire initiation due to “mixed functioning” of the incendiaries.
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Develop a methodology to determine the probability of fires due to secondary ignition sources.
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Develop data curves for the vulnerability of fuel system hardware components.
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Determine how the BRL void space fire probabilities will change if the “striker plate” consists of composite materials.
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Perform a test program to determine the probability of fire initiation due to a “mixed functioning” of the incendiaries.
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Determine if the burn characteristics of composite materials are sufficiently different to warrant a change in the BRL void space probability numbers.
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Determine how the altitude will affect the probability of fire initiation, the probability that fires will sustain, and the damage that might result from sustained fires.
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Determine and quantify the vulnerability of fuel system components due to directed energy weapons.
The following findings of the eight working panels are taken from a preliminary copy of a briefing being prepared to be given to the JTCG/AS Central Office and to OSD. This briefing material was furnished by Gerald Bennett, ASD/XRM, WPAFB.
Fuel System Panel
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Empirically based fuel/fire/explosion Pk/h data exist that are
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more than 15 years old,
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for metallic structures only,
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for sea level only.
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No traceable fuel system hardware Pk/h data exist.
Flight Controls and Hydraulics Panel
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Actuators
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Analyses are only on older (1950s) designs.
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Sparse test data do not match actuators analyzed.
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New designs and technologies have no analyses or tests.
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Hydraulic fluid reservoirs, and accumulators
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One set of experimentally validated fluid Pk/h data exists.
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Other components have no documented test data or analyses.
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Cables, bellcranks, and mechanical components
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Analytic models and some Pk/h data exist.
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Selective tests needed to validate analyses.
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Crew Station Panel
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Traceable crew Pk/h data are available for fragments and projectiles (toxic gases, overpressure, and burns not considered).
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JLF crew station tests will provide test data support.
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Ejection seat pyrotechnic Pk/h data are not available.
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Cockpit controls and displays Pk/h data are not available.
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Liquid oxygen (LOX) converter Pk/h estimates are of low confidence.
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Windscreen/canopy Pk/h data developed.
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For the on-board oxygen generating system (OBOGS), on-board inert gas generating system (OBIGGS), flat panel displays, there are no Pk/h or test data.
Engines and Accessories Panel
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Pk/h data have kept pace with new designs.
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Test data form important Pk/h input.
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Large analysis data base exists on obsolete and current designs.
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Confidence level is high for older/current designs (exceptions: large engines, fan sections, and small unguided-aerial-vehicle engines).
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Fuel ingestion analytical technique is available.
Stores, Ammunition, and Flares Panel
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Bombs and missile warheads
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Results are design and threat specific.
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Analyses predict burn and prompt reaction thresholds.
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Intermediate zone requires added tests.
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Propellant and rocket motors
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Results are design and threat specific.
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Analyses predict burn and prompt reaction thresholds.
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Complex propellants require added tests.
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Flares, ammunition drums, and ammunition boxes: limited test data and Pk/h estimates
Electrical and Avionics Panel
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Most work (test and analysis) dates from 1983 or before.
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Component design technologies date from the 1950s and 1960s.
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A large test base exists, but for ballistic resistance (V50) development.
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More than 90% of the tests/analyses are for fragments.
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No Pk/h estimates exist for many common components.
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Techniques are adequate for penetration related kill criteria.
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Pk/h for some lethal mechanisms are only obtainable from tests.
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Avionics and electronics are flight critical for many new aircraft designs.
Structures, Landing Gear, and Armor Panel
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Structure
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Analysis/data are not easily mapped into vulnerability analyses.
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Models are largely for skin panels and simple structure.
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Landing gear
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Few test/analysis data exist (not flight critical).
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Some data are available for Army truck tires.
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Armor
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Data are experimentally derived, so confidence levels are high.
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Most data are for projectiles and current materials.
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Helicopter Unique Components Panel
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Analysis techniques are valid for metal rotor blades.
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Component Pk/h data are mostly for fragments and armor-piercing projectiles.
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Flight controls can use aircraft techniques and data.
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Tail boom structural analysis capability is poor.
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Little recent test/analysis has been done for Pk/h development.
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Extensive tests are needed for failure at specified conditions.