MATERIALS INVESTIGATION OF THERMAL TRIGGERS USED IN PRESSURE RELIEF DEVICES ON TRANSIT BUSES

This investigation pertains to the composition and general condition of the thermally activated trigger mechanism of Pressure Relief Devices (PRDs), safety devices used on compressed natural gas cylinders commonly used to store fuel on transit buses. These trigger mechanisms provide the essential function of the PRD, and any problems with the trigger will result in poor device performance. The report analyzes the condition of the eutectic material used in the triggers, its composition, condition, and any flaws that may occur. Following the experimental investigation, failure criteria for the triggers were computed based on observed flaws in the trigger material. These computations provide a measure of the reliability of the triggering devices, and thereby of their effectiveness.

  • Record URL:
  • Corporate Authors:

    Volpe National Transportation Systems Center

    Cambridge, MA  United States  02142

    Tufts University

    Department of Mechanical Engineering
    Medford, MA  United States  02155

    Federal Transit Administration

    Office of Planning, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE
    Washington, DC  United States  20590
  • Authors:
    • Rolander, N
    • Matson, D
    • Chernicoff, W P
  • Publication Date: 2003-6

Language

  • English

Media Info

  • Features: Figures; Photos; References;
  • Pagination: 33 p.

Subject/Index Terms

Filing Info

  • Accession Number: 00962120
  • Record Type: Publication
  • Report/Paper Numbers: DOT-FTA-MA-26-7071-03-2,, DOT-VNTSC-FTA-03-06,, Final Report
  • Contract Numbers: TT-383 U3077
  • Files: NTL, TRIS, USDOT
  • Created Date: Aug 19 2004 12:00AM