Mitigation of Fuel Tank Explosion and Fires Using a Hybrid Electrochemical Oxygen Extraction and Explosion Suppression Foam system

Explosion of military vehicle fuel tanks upon encountering an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) causes significant damage to both military personnel and equipment. The fuel tank explosion is caused by explosive buildup and combustion of fuel vapor within the tank headspace. Further damage is also caused by projectile penetration of the fuel tank, resulting in spraying of the superheated fuel onto the vehicle environment. Lynntech, along with Southwest Research Institute proposes a hybrid explosion mitigation system can be easily integrated to existing military vehicles due to low weight and volume. The hybrid system will consist of a Lynntech developed Electrochemical Oxygen Extraction (EOE) system which will inert the fuel tank headspace as well as an Explosion Suppression foam system applied along the outer surface of the fuel tank. Compared to the current fuel tank inerting technologies, Lynntech"s EOE system can reach safe fuel tank inertization levels faster without the need of any bleed air or external plumbing requirements. In Phase I, Explicit numerical modeling will be conducted to better understand fuel vaporization and flashing under IED blast conditions. Beyond Phase I, the proposed technology will be further developed and tested at the Southwest Research Institute ballistic department.