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EXPERIMENTAL AND COMPUTATIONAL SIMULATION ANALYSIS OF HYDROGEN EXPLOSIONS IN INTERCONNECTED SPACES
Abstract
The study of hydrogen explosions in interconnected spaces is essential for safety in industrial and laboratory settings. Due to its highly flammable nature, understanding hydrogen explosion dynamics is essential for risk mitigation. This paper presents an experimental and computational analysis of a hydrogen explosion in a setup with four interconnected chambers. The experimental stand had transparent walls for direct observation. Ignition was initiated to analyze flame propagation, acceleration, and pressure variations in a controlled environment. High-speed cameras, Schlieren techniques, and pressure sensors captured critical data on explosion behavior. To complement the physical experiment, a computational simulation was conducted to replicate the observed explosion dynamics. Using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modeling, the simulation incorporated factors such as hydrogen concentration, ignition source location, and chamber geometry. This allowed for a detailed comparison of flame propagation speed, pressure fluctuations, and combustion patterns between the experimental and simulated data. The results showed strong agreement between the experimental observations and the simulation, confirming the accuracy of the computational model in predicting explosion behavior. However, minor discrepancies were observed, particularly in localized pressure variations, likely due to small-scale turbulence and ignition variability not fully captured in the model. Integrating experimental and computational simulation approaches enhances understanding of explosion dynamics. Validated simulations serve as a predictive tool for optimizing safety measures in hydrogen-handling environments. They also enhance the understanding of mechanisms occurring during hydrogen explosion events, for which INSEMEX issues expert reports. Future research will refine explosion models by considering varying hydrogen concentrations and geometric confinement effects. Advancing predictive capabilities will contribute to safer hydrogen utilization in industrial applications. This study provides valuable insights for mitigating explosion risks and improving hydrogen-related safety protocols.
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References8
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