NSSDCA ID: 1973-027A-34
Mission Name: SkylabThe objective of Skylab experiment M479 was to ignite various materials in a five psia oxygen/nitrogen mixture to determine -- (1) material of surface flame propagation and flashover to adjacent materials, (2) rates of surface and bulk flame propagation under zero convection, (3) self-extinguishment, (4) extinguishment by vacuum and water spray. The combustion chamber and controls for this experiment were provided by experiment M512 (73-027A-39). Individual flammability tests lasted from a minimum of 10 sec to a maximum of four min. Each test was photographed in its entirety so that combustion rates could be determined by post-flight analysis. Additional data were available from the voice comments of the astronaut performing the experiment. The astronaut was invaluable in observing several aspects of the tests that were missed by photography. He was better able to note drift rates of detached fuel specimens, and sublimation products and overall energy profiles as well as troubleshoot malfunctions of ignitors, cameras, etc., and to report environmental changes exterior to the combustion chamber. Water spray patterns were reported as viewed.
Questions and comments about this experiment can be directed to: Coordinated Request and User Support Office
Name | Role | Original Affiliation | |
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Dr. J. Howard Kimzey | Principal Investigator | NASA Johnson Space Center |