Fire Risk Assessment of Composite Materials in Aviation by Hazard Levels Characterized in Standard EN 45545

Abstract

Nowadays, composite materials are often used as construction materials not only in the aviation industry. In general, composite materials mean technical material. Although, they are heterogeneous in their structure, they are understood to be homogeneous. Composites are formed by a composition of at least two chemically and physically different materials. This article deals with fire resistance of composite materials, regularly used in aviation industry. The flammability tests were performed as a part of the project Simulation of Intervention in Air Accidents, where several materials used in aircraft constructions and interiors were tested. The fire resistance of composite materials is evaluated in the article based on the Maximum Average Rate of Heat Emission (kW/m2). The investigated samples are both of core and core-free sandwich structures. The flammability test was performed on both sides of the sample (smooth and rough). The fire resistance test was performed on the basis of EN 45545.