Rigid polyurethane foams (RPUFs) typically exhibit low thermal inertia, resulting in short ignition times and rapid flame spread. In this study, the fire phenomena of RPUFs were investigated using a multi-methodological approach to gain detailed insight into the fire behaviour of pentane- and water-blown polyurethane (PUR) as well as pentane-blown polyisocyanurate polyurethane (PIR) foams with densities ranging from 30 to 100 kg/m3. Thermophysical properties were studied using thermogravimetry (TG); flammability and fire behaviour were investigated by means of the limiting oxygen index (LOI) and a cone calorimeter. Temperature development in burning cone calorimeter specimens was monitored with thermocouples inside the foam samples and visual investigation of quenched specimens’ cross sections gave insight into the morphological changes during burning. A comprehensive investigation is presented, illuminating the processes taking place during foam combustion. Cone calorimeter tests revealed that in-depth absorption of radiation is a significant factor in estimating the time to ignition. Cross sections examined with an electron scanning microscope (SEM) revealed a pyrolysis front with an intact foam structure underneath, and temperature measurement inside burning specimens indicated that, as foam density increased, their burning behaviour shifted towards that of solid materials. The superior fire performance of PIR foams was found to be based on the cellular structure, which is retained in the residue to some extent.

Flexible polyurethane foams (FPUF) are easy to ignite and exhibit rapid flame spread. In this paper, the fire phenomena of two standard foam formulations containing tris(1,3‐dichloro‐2‐propyl) phosphate (FR‐2) and a halogen‐freepoly (ethyl ethylene phosphate) (PNX), respectively, as flame retardants are compared. A multi‐methodological approach is proposed which combines standard fire tests as well as new investigatory approaches. The thermophysical properties of the foams were determined by thermogravimetric analysis (TG), reaction to small flames was studied by means of the limiting oxygen index (LOI) and UL 94 HBF test, and the burning behavior was investigated with the cone calorimeter. Further, temperature development in burning cone calorimeter samples was monitored using thermocouples, and rheological measurements were performed on pyrolyzed material, delivering insight into the dripping behavior of the foams. This paper gives comprehensive insight into the fire phenomena of flame‐retarded FPUFs that are driven by the two‐step decomposition behavior of the foams. LOI and UL 94 HBF tests showed a reduced flammability and reduced tendency to drip for the flame‐retarded foams. TG and cone calorimeter measurements revealed that the two‐step decomposition behavior causes two stages during combustion, namely structural collapse and pool fire. The flame‐retardant mode of action was identified to take place primarily during the foam collapse and be based mainly on flame inhibition. However, some condensed‐phase action was been measured, leading to significantly increased melt viscosity and improved dripping behavior for foams containing PNX.

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A series of new flame retardants (FR) based on dibenzo[d,f][1,3,2]dioxaphosphepine 6-oxide (BPPO) incorporating acrylates and benzoquinone were developed previously. In this study, we examine the fire behavior of the new flame retardants in polyisocyanurate (PIR) foams. The foam characteristics, thermal decomposition, and fire behavior are investigated. The fire properties of the foams containing BPPO-based derivatives were found to depend on the chemical structure of the substituents. We also compare our results to state-of-the-art non-halogenated FR such as triphenylphosphate and chemically similar phosphinate, i.e. 9,10-dihydro-9-oxa-10- phosphaphenanthrene-10-oxide (DOPO), based derivatives to discuss the role of the phosphorus oxidation state.

Titanium aluminide (TiAl) turbine blades produced by isothermal forging have recently been implemented in the low-pressure part of commercial aircraft jet engines. However, the slow speed of isothermal forging, costly molybdenum-based dies and the required protective forging atmosphere makes the process rather expensive. Currently, industrial forging is done by closed-die isothermal forging processes with stationary dies. Idle time occurs when single parts are inserted and extracted from the dies. As an interesting alternative for forging small parts, a new set-up is devised and explored in this work, i.e., batch processing. Using a die set which allow for off-line preassembly and preheating, multiple parts can be forged in one stroke. The design of the batch process was based on a new material model, which was implemented into a finite element system to identify the forging parameters. The setup of the press transport system for batch processing, as well as the results of the simulations and forging experiments are presented. A cost comparison between the new process and conventional forging with stationary dies concludes that for smaller parts such as compressor blades, batch processing offers advantages regarding productivity and cost.

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investigated the effect of corneal biomechanical properties on Goldmann applanation tonometry. Using a theoretical model, they showed that Young's modulus of the cornea (a measure of corneal rigidity) can have large effects on the measurement result. As Figure 1 shows, the Liu-Roberts model predicts deviations up to about 15 mm Hg from an assumed true intraocular pressure (IOP) of 20 mm Hg if the corneal Young's modulus varies between 0.1 and 0.9 MPa.The Liu-Roberts-model is based on an equation from Young, 2 which had been used in another important model of tonometry by Orssengo and Pye 3 :Here, d is the maximum deflection of the cornea, a is an empirical factor, 2 P is the pressure applied in the zone where the tonometer head is in contact with the cornea, A is the surface area of the contact zone, R is the corneal radius of curvature, is Poisson's ratio, E is the corneal Young's modulus, and t (constant) is corneal thickness.Equation (1) is based on the assumption that a uniform pressure P is applied in the contact zone. To analyze the consequences of this assumption, we have generated a finite element (FE) model of the geometric configuration described by Young (following a similar procedure described by Vito and Carnell 4 ). Based on the FE model and using the same material parameters as Liu and Roberts, 1 we obtained the result labeled as ''simulation 1'' in Figure 1. As the figure shows, we obtained a perfect coincidence with the results obtained by Liu and Roberts 1 based on equation (1). This means that our FE model correctly models the situation behind equation (1).Using the FE model, we plotted the deformed corneal surface in simulation 1. It turned out that the deformed corneal surface is curved in the contact zone À1.53 mm % r % 1.53 mm, although it should be flat there if this were a correct model of Goldmann applanation tonometry. Using FE terminology, one can say that equation (1) is based on a wrong '