Initial thoughts about Discussion
These are very very preliminary thoughts of what has been researched so far, no evidence is presented for this due to the fact that it is so early in the working stage. These opinions and thoughts could change drastically for when the thesis is submitted.
Should Halon be banned?
Initial research has brought up several sources which show that supplies of halon are not predicted to run out for several years, and that the damage done using recycled halons is negligible. Historical statistics have also shown that halon has been extremely successful at preventing fatalities on aircraft due to fire. Due to this the decision to ban halon does seem questionable, however at this stage the arguments are very one sided and more research needs to be done into arguments supporting the ban on halon.
Are Composites Safe?
Less has been done in this area then in any other at this stage however it has been found that composites are generally more flammable than aluminium. Although there are many different types of composite material, and it is so far unclear which will be used for aircraft and how fire retardant it will be.
Will New Extinguishing Systems be Suitable?
All that has been found on this suggest the three types of system being considered are water-mist, gas, and a gas and water-mist mixture. In addition to this it has been found that some efforts into new extinguishing systems are to produce new environmentally safe halon systems. Initial research suggests that water mist systems fail to spread effectively throughout a compartment, and gas systems have a greater chance of damaging the aircraft.
How Effective are Experimental Methods?
Most experimental methods which have been found are large scale tests which are economically costly; however several small scale test methods have also been found though there has been no research done into their effectiveness at this stage.
Should Halon be banned?
Initial research has brought up several sources which show that supplies of halon are not predicted to run out for several years, and that the damage done using recycled halons is negligible. Historical statistics have also shown that halon has been extremely successful at preventing fatalities on aircraft due to fire. Due to this the decision to ban halon does seem questionable, however at this stage the arguments are very one sided and more research needs to be done into arguments supporting the ban on halon.
Are Composites Safe?
Less has been done in this area then in any other at this stage however it has been found that composites are generally more flammable than aluminium. Although there are many different types of composite material, and it is so far unclear which will be used for aircraft and how fire retardant it will be.
Will New Extinguishing Systems be Suitable?
All that has been found on this suggest the three types of system being considered are water-mist, gas, and a gas and water-mist mixture. In addition to this it has been found that some efforts into new extinguishing systems are to produce new environmentally safe halon systems. Initial research suggests that water mist systems fail to spread effectively throughout a compartment, and gas systems have a greater chance of damaging the aircraft.
How Effective are Experimental Methods?
Most experimental methods which have been found are large scale tests which are economically costly; however several small scale test methods have also been found though there has been no research done into their effectiveness at this stage.