Abstract
Aircraft insulation separates the thermally comfortable cabin interior environment from the extremely cold outside conditions. However, the fabrication and installation of the insulation in the aircraft is a labor-intensive task. Tailored, rigid particle foam parts could be a solution to speed up the installation process. The presented study investigates the feasibility of such a concept from a hygrothermal point of view. Due to the temperature difference between the cold air trapped between aircraft skin and insulation on one side and the warm cabin air on the other side, a buoyancy-induced pressure difference forms. This effect drives the warmer air through leakages in the insulation system towards the cold skin. Here, moisture contained in the air condenses on the cold surfaces, increasing the risk for uncontrolled dripping (“rain in the plane”) when it melts. Therefore, this study compares the condensate build-up of different installations of a rigid particle foam frame insulation with the classical glass fiber capstrip. Tests are hosted in the Fraunhofer Lining and Insulation Test Environment chamber. It is shown that careful installation of the particle foam frame insulation provides similar level of moisture protection as the current state of the art insulation, and that the condensate amount does not depend on the amount of airflow directly behind the sidewall.
Highlights
Liberata GuadagnoThe typical aircraft cabin operative temperature is in the range of 18.3 to 26.7 ◦ C (65 to 80 ◦ F) [1], whereas the external temperature is around −56.5 ◦ C [2]
This research investigates the effect of a particle foam insulation and its installation procedure on the hygrothermal conditions behind the cabin sidewall
Environment has proven very useful in addressing the problem of condensate
Summary
The typical aircraft cabin operative temperature is in the range of 18.3 to 26.7 ◦ C (65 to 80 ◦ F) [1], whereas the external temperature is around −56.5 ◦ C [2] This temperature difference can be maintained due to the presence of thermal insulation in the aircraft, leading to a sufficiently warm sidewall surface. The insulation system provides acoustic dampening of the aircraft noise, and most importantly for certification aspects, it protects passengers in the case of fire and undergoes thorough testing [5]. These tests cover the flame propagation, heat and smoke release and burn through resistance. An insulation material may only be installed onboard the aircraft if all four tests are successfully passed
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
