Engineering & Research Services
The Engineering and Research Services Section in the Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Division's Department of Fire Technology explores advanced topics in fire science by employing computational techniques and advanced experimental methods to assess and mitigate special hazards associated with energetic materials, high pressures, and unusual storage scenarios. Work in this area revolves around the performance-based approach to classifying materials and systems. Response characteristics of materials, products, structures, and systems subjected to "real" fire and explosion situations are evaluated. Fire and explosion characteristics of gases, vapor clouds, liquids, solids, and dusts are also studied. The Engineering and Research Section at Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) is an integral partner, supporting our technical groups in Material Flammability and Fire Resistance by providing custom test programs whose methods lie above and beyond standard test procedures. With its understanding of the behavior of materials and products under real fire conditions, the Engineering and Research Section is an excellent resource in the areas of accident investigation and product development.
Matthew Blais, Ph.D., Acting Manager
Engineering & Research Services Technical Strengths
- Energetic materials, propellants and explosives
Alexandra Joyce - Fire modeling
Jason Huczek - Combustion
Jason Huczek or Marc Janssens, Ph.D. - Hazards, safety, and risk
Marc Janssens, Ph.D. - Survivability and vulnerability
Marc Janssens, Ph.D. - Fire detection and suppression systems
Jason Huczek - Fire and explosion investigations
Marc Janssens, Ph.D. - Custom fire exposures and product evaluations
Jason Huczek or Marc Janssens, Ph.D.
