Carbon Fiber Risk Analysis.

Because graphite and carbon fiber composites provide high strength and stiffness relative to weight, they have the potential for widespread future use in the U.S. and abroad. The fibers, however, are electrically conductive and lightweight. Should the fibers be released from the composite such as might occur in an aircraft crashfire, wherein the binding resin or matrix is burned away, the fibers can become airborne and dispersed over large areas. The settlement of the fibers on electrical and electronic equipment may cause short circuits or malfunctions resulting in costly shut-downs, fires, shock, etc. This publication is a compilation of the presentations and the pertinent questions and answers arising during a briefing for indus- try and government held by NASA Langley Research Center on October 31 and November 1, 1978. The scope and status of the work being done under the direction of NASA to assess the risks to the nation associated with the accidental release of carbongraphite fibers from civil aircraft were presented at this briefing. KAR p. 4