Computational Fluid Dynamics Model for Analysis of the Turbulent Limits of Hydrogen Combustion

Abstract

This paper presents a novel numerical approach for assessing the turbulent limits of hydrogen combustion. In the framework of this approach, the premixed combustion is studied numerically in the externally generated turbulent field with defined parameters. Two-dimensional calculations are carried out for hydrogen–air mixtures of different compositions, and all the possible modes of near-limit combustion are reproduced. Among these modes are: combustion in the form of spatially separated individual kernels and combustion in the form of kernels with subsequent quenching. The critical conditions between the mentioned two modes correspond to the turbulent limits of hydrogen combustion, which are necessary for the evaluation of the hazardous risks related to hydrogen explosions.

Keywords

• turbulent combustion
• flammability limits
• hydrogen combustion
• hydrogen safety
• numerical analysis