Flame behavior, shock wave, and instantaneous thermal field generated by unconfined vapor-liquid propylene oxide/air cloud detonation

Abstract

Energy output and heating effects are essential for vapor-liquid fuel/air cloud detonation in the fuel-air explosive (FAE) applications or explosion accidents. The purpose of this study is to examine the dynamic large-size flame behavior, shock wave propagation law, and instantaneous thermal field generated by unconfined vapor-liquid propylene oxide (PO)/air cloud detonation. Based on computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and combustion theory, a numerical simulation is used to study the detonation process of a PO/air cloud produced by a double-event fuel-air explosive (DEFAE) of 2.16 kg. The large-scale flame behavior is characterized. The flame initially spreads radially and laterally in a wing shape. Subsequently, the developed flame increases with a larger aspect ratio. Moreover, the propagation laws of shock waves at different heights are discussed. The peak pressure of 1.3 m height level with a stepwise decline is obviously different from that of the ground with an amplitude of reversed 'N' shape. In the vast majority of the first 6.9 m, the destructive effect of the shock wave near the ground is greater than that of the shock wave at 1.3 m height. Furthermore, the dynamic instantaneous isothermal field is demonstrated. The scaling relationship of various isotherms in the instantaneous thermal field with the flame and initial cloud is summarized. The comprehensive numerical model used in this study can be applied to determine the overpressure and temperature distribution in the entire fuel/air cloud detonation field, providing guidance for assessing the extent of damage caused by DEFAE detonation.