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Alison M. Schroeder
Washington University in St. Louis
Advisor: Richard Axelbaum
NASA Langley Research Center
NASA Mentors: Donald R. Green and R. David Frazier, Jr
Abstract
As a reaction to a fatal mishap involving one of its employees, Jacobs Technology conducted a re-assessment of its facilities and operations with a focus on fire-related hazards. They determined a need for fire-retardant clothing in the workplace. Because of this, they decided to explore other possible benefits the clothing may yield. The objective of this project was to observe and analyze how the DRIFIREŽ flame resistant clothing reacts to cryogenic hazards, such as liquid nitrogen spills and splashes, in order to determine its operational effectiveness as a form of personal protective equipment. Because of the extreme conditions associated with cryogenic materials, special consideration had to be taken when planning the test. In order to meet all the necessary requirements a list of test parameters was compiled. These constraints, along with the limited amount of DRIFIREŽ flame resistance materials, helped specify the design of the test apparatus. From this information, an experimental protocol was developed, and a list of requirements for the test apparatus was compiled. From these stipulations, the test apparatus was designed and constructed. Through analysis of the test results it was concluded that the DRIFIREŽ flame resistant clothing does not provide better protection from cryogenic hazards than normal street clothing. However, it also does not adversely affect the amount protection, meaning that if someone were to be exposed to both flammable objects or substances and cryogenic hazards at the same time, it would be better to wear the DRIFIREŽ flame resistant clothing as opposed to street clothing.
Alison Schroeder was born and raised in New Albany, IN. She is now a junior at Washington University in St. Louis, where she studies Systems Science & Engineering through the Department of Electrical & Systems Engineering. She is also the secretary of the university's branch of the Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics, a member of the Department of Electrical & Systems Engineering Student Advisor Board, and a mentor for freshman and sophomore Systems Science & Engineering majors.
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