Numerical simulation by the molecular collision theory of two-phase mixture explosion characteristics in closed or vented vessels

¹ Université d'Orléans, LEES, 63 avenue de Lattre de Tassigny, 18020 Bourges Cedex, France
² GIAT Industries, 7 route de Guerry, 18023 Bourges Cedex, France

Received: 17 November 1997
Revised: 1 June 1999
Accepted: 11 June 1999
Published online: 15 September 1999

Abstract

The aim of this work consists in presenting a simple modelling (the molecular collision theory), easily usable in an industrial environment in order to predict the evolution of thermodynamical characteristics of the combustion of two-phase mixtures in a closed or a vented vessel. Basic characteristics of the modelling have been developed for ignition and combustion of propulsive powders and adapted with appropriate parameters linked to simplified kinetics. A simple representation of the combustion phenomena based on energy transfers and the action of specific molecules is presented. The model is generalized to various mixtures such as dust suspensions, liquid fuel drops and hybrid mixtures composed of dust and a gaseous supply such as methane or propane in the general case of vented explosions. The pressure venting due to the vent breaking is calculated from thermodynamical characteristics given by the model and taking into account, the mass rate of discharge of the different products deduced from the standard orifice equations. The application conditions determine the fuel ratio of the used mixtures, the nature of the chemical kinetics and the calculation of a universal set of parameters. The model allows to study the influence of the fuel concentration and the supply of gaseous additives, the influence of the vessel volume (2400ℓ ≤ V_b ≤ 250 000ℓ) and the influence of the venting pressure or the vent area. The first results have been compared with various experimental works available for two phase mixtures and indicate quite correct predictions.