Numerical Evaluation of Safety Wall Bending Strength during Hydrogen Explosion

Abstract

The main aims of this study are to assess numerically the stress state of a solid wall which is installed at the hydrogen fueling station in order to protect personnel from the consequences of the accidental hydrogen explosion, define the bending stress values in the foot of the wall exposed to explosion wave pressure forces and located at different distances from explosion epicenter in order to choose appropriate construction material of the wall and assess the minimum thickness of the wall satisfying bending strength condition. A three-dimensional mathematical model of hydrogen-air mixture explosion is used to define the distribution of the maximum overpressure on the wall surface. To assess the bending stress state at the foot of the wall, the design scheme of a cantilever beam is considered. It is assumed that the maximum overpressure force field influences the wall at the same time to assess the worst possible scenario. Actually, the computer-based methodology of how to resolve a coupled problem of explosion gas dynamics and defense wall strength is suggested. This technique allows evaluating of the construction parameters of the wall, which protects the personnel against consequences of the explosion wave exposure, without the destruction of the wall.