fire resistance interior panels 2

[Firefix]

Does anyone knows if the interior aircraft panel (i.e.partitions, galleys, etc) have any damage resistance requirements or is the material used simply selected (beside its mass of course) on the basis of its fire resistance and heat release?

 

[Nigel]

Partitions and gallies have structural requirments. Gallies must be able to contain their contents under emergency landing conditions and they must all stay put. Partitions also as a min' must be able to remain attached under emergency landing loads.

Nigel Waterhouse B Eng (Hon's)
Can-Am Aerospace,LLC, Canadian Aircraft Certification Centre

http://www.canamaero.com

 

[Firefix]

Thanks for your response Nigel.
This sound quite subjective, do you know if there are any test methods or standards to define their resistance? (i.e. the break strength or maximum curving)

 

[Nigel]

It is not subjective at all. If you are using composite panels, you must have approved (FAA if in the USA) A and B allowable loads. These must be developed by test and must cover shear, bending and also fateners and any bonded joints.

Nigel Waterhouse B Eng (Hon's)
Can-Am Aerospace,LLC, Canadian Aircraft Certification Centre

http://www.canamaero.com

 

[debodine]

Nigel is correct in his statement with respect to the FAA in the USA as well. In addition, the crashworthiness limitations (typically 9g vs 16g of forward restraint) of the monuments (partitions, galleys, closets, etc) as well as the fire resistance and heat release may vary by FAR amendment level. Pay particular attention to the certification basis of the specific aircraft as defined in the Type Certificate Data Sheet. Your DER should be intimately familiar with all of these requirements.

 

[Nigel]

I have done several interiors, and have been through the pain of developing A and B allowables for composite panels.

Debodine's comments need to be considered also.

Nigel Waterhouse B Eng (Hon's)
Can-Am Aerospace,LLC, Canadian Aircraft Certification Centre

http://www.canamaero.com

 

[SuperStress]

Also, at least in the U.S., the FAA is now getting more insistent on having structural tests for full-up galley structures.

This, after some very premature test failures in galleys designed for a start-up airline.

There was some excellent guidance given out at the Atlanta DER conference a few years ago on interior monument substantiation. That presentation has since been made available from many ACOs on CD.

Ask for it; it will help you get through the certification process much more smoothly.

SuperStress