Steel-steel composite metal foam in simulated pool fire testing

Abstract

A comprehensive experimental and numerical simulated pool fire test is conducted on stainless steel composite metal foam (S–S CMF) panels and is reported in this study. The uncertainty assessments for the measured and calculated unexposed surface temperatures in the calibration and simulated pool fire tests on the S–S CMF specimens are also conducted and reported. This test procedure is designed to measure the thermal performance of new or untried thermal protection systems, such as S–S CMF, and to test for its survivability when exposed to a 100-min pool fire condition. The assembly was tested in triplicate in three consecutive simulated pool-fire exposures as specified in 49 CFR Part 179, Appendix B and achieved successful results. Based on the experimental and modeling results as well as the uncertainty studies, the 15.9 mm thick steel-steel composite metal foams tested as a novel insulation system met the acceptance criteria for the simulated pool fire test specified in 49 CFR 179 Appendix B by a large margin and is expected to pass with near certainty if the test were to be reproduced in a different laboratory. The main reason for successful performance of S–S CMF is attributed to the large air content in the material. The numerical studies reported in this study indicated that the low surface emissivity of the material is also contributing to the superior performance of the material to some extent. To complete the full test requirements of CFR Part 179 App. B, the material will need to be tested against the torch-fire exposure in duplicate. This research indicates that one of the potential applications of lightweight S–S CMF can be in tank cars carrying hazardous materials and replacing conventional structural steel with demonstrated benefits of excellent thermal insulation, fire resistance, low weight along with its established energy absorption capabilities.