Under-expansion jet flame propagation characteristics of premixed H2/air in explosion venting

In premixed H-2/air explosion venting, an under-expansion jet may be caused by the pressure difference between the inside and outside of the explosion vent. Based upon the under-expansion jet, studying the structure of the under-expansion jet flame and the factors influencing its formation is essential to hydrogen safety in explosion venting. This study explored the basic characteristics of the under-expansion jet flame in premixed H-2/ air explosion venting, and discussed the formation of two under-expansion structures (Mach disk and diamond shock wave) of such jet flames by conducting a premixed H-2/air explosion venting experiment. The influences of hydrogen fraction, explosion venting diameter, and duct length on the structure of under-expansion jet flames were evaluated. The results showed that after successful explosion venting, the under-expansion jet flame would be generated when the hydrogen fractions were 30-60 vol.%, and as the hydrogen fractions were 30-50 vol.%, the lengths of the venting duct were 30 and 50 cm. The duration of under-expansion jet flame was the longest when the hydrogen fraction was 40 vol.%. With the explosion venting diameter and hydrogen fraction increased, the spacing between under-expansion jet flame structures (S) increased. However, an increase in duct length led to the attenuation of the S. During the explosion venting, the underexpansion jet caused a pressure imbalance near the explosion vent and high-intensity convection forms on both sides of a jet, which can generate two or more explosions. Therefore, understanding the basic characteristics of under- expansion jet flame can aid the effective development of measures to prevent, mitigate, and protect against premixed H-2/air explosions. (C) 2021 Hydrogen Energy Publications LLC. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

Studying the under-expansion jet flame structure and influential factors is crucial for hydrogen safety in explosion venting. Experimentation showed under-expansion jet flames were generated with hydrogen fractions of 30-60 vol.%, with the longest duration at a fraction of 40 vol.%. The spacing between under-expansion jet flame structures increased with explosion venting diameter and hydrogen fraction, but decreased with duct length.