A very interesting story, but I am not sure Mr. Addison Bain suggested that the culprit was "Iron Oxide and Alunimum Power". Bain, a retired NASA engineer and hydrogen expert says his research shows that the Hindenburg's skin was covered with the extremely flammable cellulose nitrate or cellulose acetate, added to help with rigidity and aerodynamics. The skin was also coated with flecks of aluminum, a component of rocket fuel, to reflect sunlight and keep the hydrogen from heating and expanding.

While some metals can burn, they are difficult to ignite at best. Like the hydrogen, the metals were probably not the first item by a static discharge, but could have contributed to the total energy released in the incident.

I am not sure of the answer to your question in this case, but designers have to take into account risk/utility trade offs. Such hazards of cellulose nitrate was most likely known at that time, but there may have been mitigation strategies that would significantly reduce the risk, if followed. The next questions are, did they follow proper procedures and why did this happen on that particular day? Of course ignorance of the hazard could also be possible or an assumption that such a scenario could not happen. I guess the program did not address your question. If you find out anything further, let us know.

Douglas J. Carpenter, MScFPE, CFEI, PE, FSFPE
Vice President & Principal Engineer
Combustion Science & Engineering, Inc.
8940 Old Annapolis Road, Suite L
Columbia, MD 21045
(410) 884-3266
(410) 884-3267 (fax)
www.csefire.com