Tests of Sandwich Panels

This test indicates how a panel will perform in a fire. Thickness is the same as that qualified for use in an aircraft. The raw panel edge is subjected to a minimum 1550° F flame for 60 seconds. Extinguishing time (time it takes for the panel to stop burning after the flame is removed) and burn length are measured. This is a small scale test and performance in large fires can vary dramatically. Smoke, Toxic Emissions and Heat Release. Low smoke and toxic emissions, and low heat release are arguably the most important properties from a safety standpoint. One result of the tragic aircraft crashes during the 80s and 90s is increasing concern related to passenger hazards caused by post crash conditions, namely fire, smoke and heat.

Heat release values are reported in terms of kilowatts of heat per square meter for the peak heat release and in terms of kilowatt-minutes per square meter for a two minute integrated heat release. The FAA's maximum values are 65 and 65 for peak and total heat release.
A one square foot piece of red oak flooring one-half inch thick yields readings of 130 and 130 – twice that currently allowed by the FAA.

NIST (NBS) Smoke Chamber measures the smoke emitting properties of materials when exposed to heat and flame under flaming and non-flaming conditions. In other words, if there is a fire, how much smoke will the panel emit and how will passenger and crew visibility be affected.

Edgewise Compressive Test
This test measures the load carrying capacity of the sandwich panel when loaded as a column. Specimens should be at least 2" wide and the unsupported length should be 4-8 times the panel thickness.