Airbus ABD 0031 Aircraft Material Fire Test

Developed by Airbus, a European-based multinational aviation company The test method described in the “Airbus USA 0031 Aircraft material fire test” standard, It evaluates aircraft materials not only for their fire resistance but also for the toxicity of gases emitted during combustion.

This standard, implemented after a plane crash in 1985, has since become a universal standard. At the time, it was determined that the majority of fatalities during evacuations were due to highly toxic fumes released by igniting cabin materials. Therefore, following this tragedy, aviation authorities and aircraft manufacturers decided to establish new safety standards.

For compliance, 15 protocols are in place, including the AITM 3.005 protocol, which guarantees that smoke is non-toxic in the event of fire. The Airbus test method is mandatory. Assessment is required for all materials (fabric, foam), equipment, and wiring insulation used in the aircraft cabin interior. To be approved, smoke from the tested material during combustion must not contain the following gases above a fixed concentration limit, measured in parts per million (ppm): 100 ppm hydrogen fluoride, 150 ppm hydrogen cyanide, 100 ppm nitrous oxide, 150 ppm hydrogen chloride, 100 ppm sulfur dioxide, and 1000 ppm carbon monoxide.

The AITM 3.005 protocol simultaneously assesses both the toxicity and opacity of smoke. The test begins by igniting a sample of the material in a closed chamber. A pump then captures the combustion fumes and analyzes the levels of carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide. The exhaust fumes then bubble through an aqueous solution, allowing their composition to be analyzed later.

The US 0031 standard applies only to Airbus aircraft. For Boeing aircraft, certification to the Boeing Safety Standard is mandatory.

The US 0031 Airbus fire test is considered useful for the following reasons:

• Acceptable control of ignition risk has been achieved.
• Acceptable control of heat, smoke and toxic fume rate and total emissions is achieved for all main usage materials and surfaces when exposed to an ignition source.
• An acceptable level of fire resistance is provided for all materials and items required to act as a barrier to fire or to perform a function when exposed to fire.

Fire testing is performed for the following types of aircraft materials:

• rubber product, rubber seal
• plastic product
• life vest
• Fire cladding
• Fire adhesive
• cable and wire
• Textiles (curtains, carpets)

Fire tests for aircraft materials conducted under Airbus standard US 0031 cover:

• Vertical flammability test
• Smoke density test
• smoke toxicity test
• Heat release test
• Horizontal test
• 45 degree flammability test

In the aviation industry, the US 0031 standard is a comprehensive Airbus standard outlining fire safety requirements for materials used in aircraft interiors. It includes criteria for flammability, smoke density, heat release, and toxicity of gases emitted during combustion. Materials must meet these standards to ensure they do not pose significant risks in the event of fire, particularly in areas accessible to passengers and crew. This includes demonstrating acceptable control over ignition risk and limiting the emission of harmful gases.

Fire safety requirements for Airbus aircraft are primarily governed by the US 0031 standard, in addition to regulatory mandates from the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The purpose of this standard is to test the flammability, smoke density, heat release, and toxicity of materials used in Airbus aircraft interiors to ensure they are safe in the event of a fire.

• Flammability: Vertical and horizontal flame tests are performed for this purpose. Materials must be able to self-extinguish quickly and not spread fire. This test is typically performed on sofas, panels, carpets, curtains, and similar materials.
• Heat release: The aim is to limit the total and peak heat released during combustion. In general, the peak heat release rate should not exceed 65 kW/m², and the total heat release should not exceed 65 kW*min/m².
• Smoke density: This test is generally performed in accordance with ASTM E662, Standard Test Method for Specific Optical Density of Smoke Generated by Solid Materials. The purpose is to limit visual obscuration during a fire. The limit value should not exceed 200 (usually lower for some applications).
• Toxic gas emissions: These tests use Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The primary gases measured are carbon monoxide, hydrogen cyanide, hydrogen chloride, hydrogen fluoride, and sulfur dioxide. The goal is to ensure that occupants are not exposed to lethal or incapacitating fumes.

Essentially, the US 0031 test is required for the following components:

• Cabin and cargo compartments
• Flight deck
• Toilets and kitchens
• Insulation and wiring
• Seats and upholstery

To be used on Airbus aircraft, materials must pass all relevant US 0031 tests. Test reports are typically reviewed and accepted by Airbus or its certified laboratories.

In short, aircraft and the materials used in their construction must comply with national and international regulations.

Our organization, which has been supporting businesses across all sectors for years through a wide range of testing, measurement, analysis, and evaluation activities, has a strong team of employees who closely follow global developments in science and technology and are constantly improving themselves. In this context, we also provide testing services in accordance with the Airbus ABD 0031 Aircraft Material Fire Testing Standard.