Modelling confined hydrogen–air detonations with the conservation element/solution element method for varying initial compositions
S.M. Martins (TU Delft - Group Giovani Pereira Castro)
A.H. van Zuijlen (TU Delft - Aerodynamics)
Saullo G.P. Castro (TU Delft - Group Giovani Pereira Castro)
More Info
expand_more
Other than for strictly personal use, it is not permitted to download, forward or distribute the text or part of it, without the consent of the author(s) and/or copyright holder(s), unless the work is under an open content license such as Creative Commons.
Abstract
Hydrogen transportation poses significant explosion risks, especially under confined conditions. This study evaluates the accuracy of the Conservation Element/Solution Element (CESE) method, with finite-rate chemistry, for predicting blast loads from confined hydrogen–air detonations at varying initial compositions. A shock tube simulation is compared against one-dimensional theory at the detonation front, using four reaction mechanisms (7 to 19 species). The 7-species mechanism predicts the Chapman–Jouguet (CJ) state within 1%–2% error up to 40 vol% H2, offering a computationally efficient option for large simulations, considering that computational time scales with the square of the number of species. While mesh refinement (0.2–2 mm) improves peak pressure prediction, impulse remains 5% underestimated due to the unresolved induction zone. The proposed 2D model – using 7 species, 1 mm mesh size and inviscid flow – is then validated against a confined detonation experiment from literature. It accurately predicts detonation speed, pressure history (including shock reflections), and impulse along the 3-metre chamber. The study provides insight into the applicability and limitations of the CESE-chemistry method in confined detonation scenarios.
help_outline