Effect of copper foam on the explosion suppression in hydrogen/air with different equivalence ratios

Abstract

This study investigates the effect of copper foam sheets on explosion suppression in hydrogen/air mixtures with different equivalence ratios (φ). The explosion experiment is conducted in a circular tube with a large aspect ratio (108). The phenomenon of flame quenching can be observed distinctly in the case of φ = 0.5. In the case of φ = 1.5, the copper foam sheets are destroyed by the reflected shock wave, and the overpressure rises by 65 %. In addition, a longer duration of peak overpressure and a lower attenuation rate can be observed due to the interaction between the shock wave and flame front. For the cases of φ = 1.0 and 2.0, the copper foam sheet effectively prevents flames and shock waves from reflecting. The experimental results provide an essential reference for the design of hydrogen flame arresters, the safety of hydrogen pipeline transportation, and engineering application.