Effect of Oxygen Enriched Atmospheres on the Burning Rate of Fabrics.

O BSERVATIONS OF enhancement in burning rates of fabrics and the unquenchabil i ty of fires in capsular environments of 100~ oxygen 1,2 prompted the present investigation. At the t ime of these observations this oxygen concentration at a pressure of 4.6 psia (equivalent to 29,000 feet) was the cabin atmosphere generally f avo red / Therefore, the initial experiments were undertaken to determine whether oxygen enrichment could be maintained at some concentration less than 100~ but significantly more than atmospheric without increasing the fire hazard presented by the ignition of clothing. Subsequently the study was broadened to include a range of pressures and a diluent other than nitrogen.