- Author
-
Cranefield, J. T.
- Title
- Review of the Baker-Strehlow and F. A. Eilliams Models for Predicting the Consequences of Vapor Cloud Explosions.
- Coporate
- Worcester Polytechnic Inst., MA
- Report
-
Thesis,
May 1998,
90 p.
- Keywords
-
explosions
|
vapors
|
overpressure
|
flame speed
|
computational fluid dynamcis
- Identifiers
- Vappr Cloud Explosions (VCE); Baker-Strehlow Model (BSM)
- Abstract
- The Baker-Strehlow model predicts the overpressure and impulse of accidental vapor cloud explosions. This model is based on previous work by Strehlow which quantified the overpressure and impulse associated with various flame speeds. Baker established an appropriate flame speed to use based on material reactivity, obstacle density and confinement. This thesis addresses the following three objectives: 1. Review the scientific basis, uncertainties and parameter uncertainties of the Baker-Strehlow model; 2. Review the scientific basis and assumptions inherent in the F. A. Williams self-similar solution; 3. Exercise both methods for a representative vapor cloud explosion and compare the results obtained. The effects of the Baker-Strehlow model parameters (i.e., material reactivity, obstacle density, and flame expansion) are considered by reviewing available small and large-scale test data. This study demonstrates the most sensitive model parameters are obstacle density and flame expansion. This study highlights areas of concern with the Baker-Strehlow model. This thesis recommends the application of computational fluid dynamic models to verify the Baker-Strehlow model predictions. This is a significant concern when predicted pressures are low because a low obstacle density is specified or the three-dimensional flame expansion is specified. The F. A. Williams model should be used for situations where the Baker-Strehlow model provides unrealistically conservative or non-conservative results.