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Old 20th Jul 2013, 11:27
  #574 (permalink)  
NigelOnDraft
 
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I don't know whether aluminum or composite would resist fire damage better, but it's not as simple as looking at the melting point of aluminum
As you say, not a simple answer.

One area AL may have proved better here is it is a far better heat conductor. So if / while there was a relatively "small fire", the AL skin will conduct away the heat and keep the skin temperature lower.

IIRC the Boeing Tests seen elsewhere were not looking at this aspect, but a blowtorch concentrated on a small skin section. I wonder if that was as realistic as some of the "battery tests" they did?

amicus' thoughts / papers as ever discuss at length...
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