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	U.S. military vehicle destroyed by attack.

Fire-resistant fuels have been researched at the U.S. Army TARDEC Fuels and Lubricants Research Facility at Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) for more than 20 years. Research in the area of controlling fuel fires has led to a self-extinguishing diesel fuel concept.

A series of tests at the SwRI Ballistics Range and in an M113 armored personnel carrier illustrates the promise of these fuels.

Increased Protection from Fuel Fires

Military vehicle fires, fed by onboard fuel, remain a serious threat to life and equipment. Weapon attacks may ignite the fuel. Often the vehicle will be destroyed by fire, and the likelihood of crew escape and/or rescue is reduced. SwRI has demonstrated that it is possible to increase the protection of military equipment and personnel from fuel fires.

Self-Extinguishing Fuel Chemistry

The self-extinguishing, fire-resistant fuel developed at TARDEC uses a low concentration of water, stably suspended in microscopic droplets. As little as 5% water may provide fire resistance, with pool fires self-extinguishing. A mist control additive is used to suppress ignition of a fuel spray from fuel tank or fuel line ruptures. The combination virtually eliminates fuel-fed fires in the ballistics tests.

For more information about fire-resistant fuels capabilities at SwRI or how you can contract with SwRI, please contact Steven D. Marty, P.E., at smarty@swri.org or  (210) 522-5929.
 

| Fuels and Lubricants Technology Department | Fuels and Lubricants Research Division | SwRI Home |

Southwest Research Institute^® (SwRI^®), headquartered in San Antonio, Texas, is a multidisciplinary, independent, nonprofit, applied engineering and physical sciences research and development organization with 12 technical divisions.

November 11, 2009