Particle tracking velocimetry and flame front detection techniques on commercial aircraft debris striking events

Debris striking the internal structures of aircraft components is capable of causing on-board fires and leading to catastrophic damage to both the aircraft and flight crew. In the present work, two experiments were conducted to capture the characteristics of high-speed debris strikes and dry-bay fires. Particle tracking velocimetry technique was utilized to investigate the dynamics of debris striking structural components of the aircraft. In conjunction, a flame front detection measurement technique was developed to identify the size and duration of dry-bay fires. Results demonstrated the ability to utilize fundamental image correlation techniques to determine velocity, size, and duration of flash events in support of aircraft survivability and safety research.