Material Flammability Testing
The Material Flammability Testing Section in the Fire Technology Department of the Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Division performs tests to evaluate the ignition, flame spread, heat release rate, smoke production rate, and toxic potency characteristics of materials and assemblies. Many of the tests are conducted according to domestic or international standard procedures, and involve small to intermediate-scale specimens. Standard tests are often supplemented with additional instrumentation, or, if necessary, completely new custom-designed procedures are developed to fulfill specific client needs. The Material Flammability Section at Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) supports activities of the Engineering and Research Section by providing tests, data for computer fire model input, and evaluation. Experimental support is also provided to the Listing, Labeling, and Follow-Up Inspection Services Section in the form of testing services for quality assurance of products and materials.
Barry Badders, M.E., P.E., Manager
Material Flammability Testing Technical Strengths
- Small-scale calorimetry and combustibility (ASTM E1354,
ASTM E136, ASTM D1929)
Christina Gomez - Intermediate-scale calorimetry (furniture tests, room
tests, European SBI test)
Barry Badders, M.E., P.E. - Large-scale calorimetry (pool fires, commodities, large
furnished compartments)
Jason Huczek - Consumer products
Barry Badders, M.E., P.E. - Marine products (IMO fire test procedures, fire
restricting materials testing)
Christina Gomez - Flame Spread (ASTM E 84 tunnel and various small-scale
flammability and crawl space tests)
Barry Badders, M.E., P.E. - Roofing and claddings (ASTM E108 fire and UL 2218 hail
drop tests of roofs)
Marshall Sharp - Combustibility, smoke, and toxicity (ASTM E662, UPitt,
BSS 7239, FTIR analysis of effluents from various fire
tests)
Christina Gomez - Dust and vapor cloud explosions
Alexandra Joyce
