Project Title:

Incipient Combustion Monitor for Zero-Gravity Environments

12.02-5615
NAS8-38439
Incipient Combustion Monitor for Zero-Gravity
	Environments
Ada Technologies, Inc.
	304 Inverness Way South, Suite 480
	Englewood, CO 80112
		James A. Armstrong
(303-792-5615)

Abstract:

	This project investigates a dynamic-expansion, condensation-nuclei chamber for the
detection of sub-micrometer particles emitted when combustible materials are heated.
Such a device would be employed as the sensor of an incipient combustion monitor
for use on the NASA space station. Combustible materials expected to be used in the
construction of the space station will be tested in a proof-of-concept laboratory
system to confirm the generation of sub-micrometer particles when heated. A Gardner
condensation-nuclei counter will be used as the dynamic expansion chamber. A computer
model of the operation of dynamic expansion chambers in terrestrial and zero gravity
environments will be used to identify differences in the operation of this system
in space. A preliminary design for a prototype monitor will be prepared. The prototype
would be tested in Phase II of the project.

Potential Commercial Application:

Potential Commercial Applications: This device would provide early warning of imminent
fire where the natural sub-micrometer particle count was very low so that an alarm
could be sounded at a low signal-to-noise ratio. It could also determine the presence
of sub-micrometer particles in clean room environments.