Bunsen Burner Testing

Bunsen Burner testing is used to evaluate the flammability characteristics of materials found throughout an aircraft, including textiles, foams, interior panels, flooring, seat belts, cargo and baggage compartment materials, and electrical wire and cable insulation. ACES performs a range of in-house Bunsen Burner test methods, including horizontal, vertical, 45-degree, and 60-degree testing, to support compliance with applicable requirements of 14 CFR Parts 23, 25, 27, and 29. With three ACES-designed and fabricated flammability chambers, experienced technicians, and certification expertise available within the same organization, ACES can efficiently support everything from individual material evaluations to larger certification test programs.

Close-up of a metal specimen holder and brass burner tube inside an aircraft material flammability testing chamber.
Interior of an ACES flammability testing chamber showing metal support frames, adjustable specimen holders, and burner assemblies.
Angled view of an ACES Bunsen burner testing chamber control panel showing temperature displays, illuminated switches, timer, and pressure gauge.

Horizontal Bunsen Burner testing evaluates the rate at which flame propagates across an aircraft material when the specimen is exposed to a controlled burner flame.

ACES performs both 2.5-inch-per-minute and 4.0-inch-per-minute horizontal test methods for applicable materials used in aircraft interiors and other aircraft applications.

The applicable horizontal burn-rate requirement depends on the material, its intended aircraft application, and the certification basis for the project.

Applicable CFRs

Vertical Bunsen Burner testing evaluates how aircraft materials respond when exposed to a burner flame for a specified period of time.

ACES performs 12-second and 60-second vertical testing, with the test results used to evaluate characteristics including burn length and after-flame time.

Materials Commonly Evaluated

Textiles Upholstery, dress-cover materials, fabrics, and other textile products used within aircraft interiors.
Carpeting Aircraft carpeting and related flooring materials used in passenger, crew, and interior areas.
Foams Foam materials used in aircraft seating and other interior applications.
Polymer Materials Materials used for interior panels, partitions, transparencies, and other applicable aircraft components.
The 12- and 60-second methods are selected according to the material, its location within the aircraft, and the applicable certification requirements.

Applicable CFRs

The 45-degree Bunsen Burner test is used to evaluate the flame resistance of applicable materials used in aircraft cargo and baggage compartments.

Test specimens are positioned at the specified angle and exposed to a controlled burner flame so their fire-performance characteristics can be evaluated in accordance with the applicable certification requirements.

Typical Applications

  • Cargo compartment materials
  • Baggage compartment panels
  • Interior compartment surfaces
  • Applicable panel and liner materials

Applicable CFRs

The 60-degree Bunsen Burner test evaluates the flammability characteristics of electrical wire and cable insulation used in aircraft applications.

The test provides data regarding the material's response to controlled flame exposure and supports evaluation of electrical wiring materials against applicable aircraft flammability requirements.

Typical Applications

  • Aircraft electrical wiring
  • Wire insulation materials
  • Cable insulation
  • Related electrical-material applications

Applicable CFRs

ACES' Bunsen Burner laboratory includes three ACES-designed and fabricated flammability chambers, providing the capacity to support both individual material evaluations and larger certification test programs.

Multiple chambers provide additional scheduling flexibility and allow ACES to efficiently accommodate programs involving numerous specimens or multiple material configurations.

Multiple Test Methods Horizontal, vertical, 45-degree, and 60-degree Bunsen Burner methods can be supported within the ACES laboratory.
Certification Support ACES testing can be coordinated with engineering and certification resources when flammability testing is part of a broader aircraft certification program.
Individual Specimens Testing capability is available for focused evaluation of individual aircraft materials and components.
Larger Programs Laboratory capacity supports test programs involving multiple materials, configurations, or certification specimens.

Applicable CFRs