Work

Prediction of explosion dynamics of H2/NH3/Air using large eddy simulation and thickened flame model

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: To enhance the safety of hydrogen-ammonia fuel utilization, this study explores the complicated relationship between hydrogen content (α(H2)) and explosion dynamics. By integrating an optimized combustion mechanism with large eddy simulation (LES) and thickened flame (TF) models, it uncovers how α(H2) can modulate flame acceleration via regulating chain-branching and nitrogen-chemistry pathways. The LES-TF approach successfully reproduces the crucial explosion parameters, including flame propagation speed, explosion overpressure development, three-dimensional flame structure and radical distribution. The key findings indicate that increasing the hydrogen volume fraction (α(H2)) significantly enhances laminar burning velocity (LBV) by promoting the radical-driven chain branching reactions while simultaneously suppressing the influence of nitrogen chemical pathways. The flow fields in the burned zones significantly influence flame evolution and radical distributions during flame acceleration, particularly during the formation of “tulip” flames. The intricate interplay of radical mass fractions and flow fields modulates explosion behavior. This work can establish a predictive approach for H2/NH3/air explosion and provide guidelines for mitigating explosion risk in fuel storage systems.

Source: Case Studies in Thermal Engineering

DOI: 10.1016/j.csite.2026.107701

Authors: Xi Chen, Qianhang Jia, Shoukun Xu, Kai Zheng, Ming Peng

Institution: Changzhou University

Language: English

Topic: Combustion and Detonation Processes

Subfield: Aerospace Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Affordable and clean energy

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,620