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In addition to gasoline, other automotive fluids such as engine oil, transmission oil, brake fluid, coolant and power steering fluid are combustible and if exposed to an ignition source can ignite and result in a vehicle fire. Ignition sources may include sparks, flames, or hot engine or exhaust components. Under normal vehicle operating conditions these fluids are well contained and do not pose a fire threat. However, the risk of fire increases if the fluids are spilled or released in a collision. In-vehicle temperature measurements were conducted to identify operating engine and exhaust temperatures under various driving conditions ranging in speed from 48 to 112 km/h (30 to 70 mph).

Vehicle inspections have been conducted to identify the use of fuel system fire safety technologies. Of the 89 vehicles inspected, 74 incorporated insulation on the inside of the hood. The flammability of the under hood insulation identified during the vehicle inspections could not be ascertained by visual inspection alone. Consequently, a test program was undertaken to assess the flammability properties of under hood insulation liners from a sample of 20 different vehicles using a cone calorimeter test prescribed by ASTM E 1354-03. The mounting clips for each liner were also tested separately to estimate the temperature required for the clips and liner to disengage from their design locations. The results of the calorimeter tests and the mounting clip tests are presented.

In the short term, traditional thermal control techniques, currently reaching their potential limit, will no longer meet the challenge imposed by the natural evolution in electronic packaging, characterized by an ever-increasing level of integration and power. In this context, new architectures must be developed, with thermal control based on high performance heat transfer devices. The Integration of Miniature Heat Pipe (MHP) seems to be one of the most effective and promising solutions for the future. This paper summarizes the work, performed within the frame of a partnership with the CNES, aiming at contributing to develop and evaluate this technology. Beyond theoretical and technological studies, we have manufactured or supplied several miniature heat pipe devices (MHPD) to constitute the elementary thermal control blocks, corresponding to the main packaging hierarchical levels (components, boards, equipment) of future generation of space vocation electronic units.

The most severe loading conditions to which mobility aids and mobility aid securements and occupant restraint (MASOR) systems may be subjected will occur during a vehicle crash. Two new Canadian Standards CSA/Z604 and CSA/Z605 have been written to standardise the crash performance requirements for both the mobility aids and the MASOR systems. For the MASOR system dynamic test requirement a reusable surrogate mobility aid (SMA) is used, both to reduce test costs and to ensure test consistency. The basis for the design of this device and the rationale for the test requirements are presented, along with some initial test results.