scope:

This standard provides the fire and toxicity test methods, requirements and the qualification procedure to supply NAVSEA with the information needed to certify composite material systems, proposed for use in hull, machinery and structural applications, as fit for use in the closed environment of Naval submarines. This standard is applicable to all composites, such as, metallic, ceramic, carbon, or organic matrix materials used as alternatives to conventional metals.

This standard applies to composite materials and composite material systems used in applications such as materials and composite gearbox covers, turbine covers, fan housings, vent ducting, isolation mounts, pipe hangars, piping, pumps, valves, decking, gratings, stanchions, ladders, hatches, stowage racks, weapons stowage and loading racks, logistic monorails, crew berthing, foundations, bedding plates, non-structural tanks, accumulators, air flasks, launch tubes, propeller shafts, and bearing housings. These are generic hull, machinery, and structural applications that have been identified as candidate systems for composite materials. It is not the intent to list each possible equipment/system component application or apply this standard to the submarine basic pressure hull structure or to items installed external to the pressure hull. Inquiries regarding approved or proposed applications shall be referred to the Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA), Attention: Non-metallic Materials Branch.

The preparing activity recognizes that there are definitions, test methods, specifications, and qualification procedures in use that are not contained in this standard. However, those that are contained herein have undergone coordination through an industry consensus process or through the, DOD standardization process involved in the preparation of this standard. As a consequence, a certain degree of standardization has been achieved, and it is intended that this MIL-STD will further enhance the understanding of composite fire performance and the standardization of test methods and qualification procedure for composite use in a closed environment.

intended Use: