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de129727.jpg (39031 bytes)Material Flammability
Testing Section

The Material Flammability Testing Section in the Fire Technology Department of the Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Division performs tests to evaluate the ignition, flame spread, heat release rate, smoke production rate, and toxic potency characteristics of materials and assemblies. Many of the tests are conducted according to domestic or international standard procedures, and involve small to intermediate-scale specimens. Standard tests are often supplemented with additional instrumentation, or, if necessary, completely new custom-designed procedures are developed to fulfill specific client needs. The Material Flammability Section supports activities of the Engineering and Research Section by providing tests, data for computer fire model input, and evaluation. Experimental support is also provided to the Listing, Labeling, and Follow-Up Inspection Services Section in the form of testing services for quality assurance of products and materials.

Gladys Miller, Acting Manager

Technical strengths and contacts in the section include:

  • Small-scale calorimetry and combustibility (ASTM E1354, ASTM E136, ASTM D1929)
    Amber Faw

  • Intermediate-scale calorimetry (furniture tests, room tests, European SBI test)
    Jason Huczek

  • Large-scale calorimetry (pool fires, commodities, large furnished compartments)
    Jason Huczek

  • Consumer products
    Barry Badders, P.E.

  • Marine products (IMO fire test procedures, fire restricting materials testing)
    Amber Faw

  • Flame Spread (ASTM E 84 tunnel and various small-scale flammability and crawl space tests)
    Tony Sauceda

  • Roofing and claddings (ASTM E108 fire and UL 2218 hail drop tests of roofs)
    Barry Badders, P.E.

  • Combustibility, smoke, and toxicity (ASTM E662, UPitt, BSS 7239, FTIR analysis of effluents from various fire tests)
    Amber Faw

  • Dust and vapor cloud explosions
    Barry Badders, P.E.


Fire Technology Department
Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Division
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August 22, 2008