Hindenburg (ustabe History repeating itself (NAC))

[Burl Vibert]

Robert Myers wrote:
> 
> At 04:57 AM 3/17/02, Phil Payne wrote:
> 
> > > >The Hindenburg was filled with HELIUM - not Hydrogen - which is what
> > led to
> > > >her demise! Helium is flammable, and explosive - Hydrogen is safe! VERY
> > > >SAFE!
> > >
> > > NO! NO! NO!!!!!  NO * 10^3!!!!  That is absolutely bassackwards!!  The
> > > Hindenburg was using Hydrogen which is __EXTREMELY__ flammable.  Helium is
> > > essentially inert.  That is why we have been discussing using Hydrogen, not
> > > Helium, as a fuel.
> >
> >Very true, but even so the Hindenburg would seem to have been the victim
> >of something other
> >than a hydrogen fire.  Hydrogen fires are almost colourless.
 

> The fabric and paint and God (and perhaps some long ago German engineer?)
> only knows what other components of the airship may well fully account for
> the observed color of the Hindenberg flames.  


The fabric covering of the Hindenburg was doped with a layer of iron
oxide covered with coats of cellulose butyrate acetate mixed with
powdered aluminum.  Kinda like solid rocket fuel.  Neat huh?

Burl Vibert
1987 5kcstq
Kingston, Ontario