Detonation propagation in a nonuniform stratified layer of hydrogen-oxygen
Gaby Ciccarelli (Queen‘s University, Kingston, Ontario Canada)
Abstract
The accidental release of hydrogen in a power generation station could produce a ceiling stratified layer in compartments. The accidental release of hydrogen from a hydrogen-powered vehicle in a parking garage, or tunnel, can also produce a stratified layer. Ignition of such a stratified layer of hydrogen could result in deflagration-to-detonation transition producing large pressure loads and structural damage. Much of the hydrogen explosion-safety research to date has been in connection with nuclear power plant accidents. Detonation propagation across a stratified layer of hydrogen has received attention because of recent accidents. Experiments investigating detonation propagation in nonuniform hydrogen-oxygen layers produced by both convection and diffusion processes are presented.