STP17772S Burn Propagation Behavior of Wire Mesh Made from Several Alloys

STP17772S Burn Propagation Behavior of Wire Mesh Made from Several Alloys

The upward burn propagation behavior of rolled wire meshes was studied. Samples made from carbon steel, Copper 100, Monel 400, Nickel 200, 304 stainless steel, and 316 stainless steel were tested in oxygen at up to 0.77 MPa (100 psig). The samples were mounted vertically and ignited at the bottom using an aluminum-palladium igniter wire. Nickel 200 did not burn at any pressure. Copper 100 and Monel 400 burned completely at 0.33 MPa (35 psig) and 0.085 MPa (0 psig) respectively. Monel 400 burned consistently at pressures ranging from 0.60 to 0.085 MPa (75 to 0 psig), but did not burn at 0.77 MPa (100 psig). 304 stainless steel, 316 stainless steel, and carbon steel burned completely at 0.085 MPa (0 psig). The consumption rates of the wire mesh samples increased as pressure increased. The rankings of the alloys based on the minimum oxygen pressure required to support self-sustained combustion and the average consumption rates for wire meshes and 3.2-mm (0.125-in.) diameter samples were compared. The overall ranking based on data obtained using the two test sample configurations, from the least to most flammable, was: Nickel 200, Copper 100, Monel 400, 304 and 316 stainless steels (same ranking), carbon steel.