Composites Fire Behaviour Modelling

Concern over fire behaviour has prevented many engineers considering composites as a viable solution in transport, building and industrial applications. In fact, composites can be specified for low flammability and good high temperature performance and the insulating properties of composites can be a considerable advantage in the prevention of fire spread, with consequential improvement in personnel and infrastructure safety. Understanding the behaviour of composites in fire is the key to extending the application of these materials.

As managers and principal researchers within a major international collaborative project, CRC-ACS has been instrumental in the development of fire behaviour modelling tools. These tools analyse structural integrity of composites during fire, allowing prediction of structure survival time and aiding correct specification of composites and associated insulation systems. The analysis methods have many applications including ship engine rooms and multi-storey buildings.

Through projects such as these, the staff of ACS Australia have already developed extensive expertise in the manufacture of low flammability composites and incorporation of surface protection systems. In combination with new-generation predictive capability, we are well placed to advise on the use of composites in fire-prone applications and to expand the  employment of composites in these fields.