ID#: 221
Abstract Title: Calculation of the Effect of a Tank Partitioning on a Kerosene Explosion
Session Title: Condensed Phase Explosions/Detonations
Session Date: 7/30/01
Session Start Time: 2:00 PM
Contributing Author: Pascaud, J.M.
Organization: UniversitÈ d'OrlÈans
Country: France
Authors: J.M. Pascaud, P. Gillard, I. Sochet, J. Brossard, A. Moreno and L. Delrieu, DGA/DCE/CEG
Short Abstract: The aim of this work is to present a simple modelling in order to predict the evolution of the thermodynamical characteristics of the combustion of kerosene droplets in each compartment of a closed or a vented vessel. The basic characteristics of the model have been developed for the ignition and the combustion of propulsive powders and adapted to liquid fuels with appropriate parameters linked to simplified kinetics. A simple representation of the combustion phenomena based on energy transfers and the action of specific molecular species is presented. The fuel ratio of the mixture is defined by the experimental determination of the partial pressure of the kerosene vapors. The total mass rate of gaseous substances due to the difference of pressure between adjacent compartments or the surrounding atmosphere is calculated by the standard orifice equations. A calculation methodology is developed to simulate the transmission of the explosion from one compartment to another adjacent compartment by the means of the hot flow through the shared orifice and finally to generalise this methodology to a complex multi-partitioned structure. The model allows to study in each compartment the influence of various parameters such as the fuel ratio of the mixture, the size of the inner openings or the vent areas and the effect of simple additional structures. The theoretical results have been compared with data obtained in the course of experiments performed in a small vessel volume ( Vo= 13.2 l ) and indicate correct preliminary tendencies.