An approach for the modeling of unconfined vapor cloud explosions is outlined. The methodology used for modeling an accidental release of flammable material, its vaporization, and its subsequent dispersion is considered. Models used for predicting the extent of the flammable cloud produced by an accidental spill of flammable materials are investigated and the methods used in this work are described.
Several existing models for predicting the overpressure field resulting from vapor cloud explosions are examined and their strengths and shortcomings are examined. Existing models are classified as either practical or rigorous depending on the nature of the model and the difficulty of solving the model equations to predict overpressures.
A new approach, the Area Source TNT Model, is then examined in detail. The conceptual basis of this approach is examined and the model equations are developed. After testing the model with simple ideal vapor cloud grids to insure proper behavior, the model is applied to a sample accident involving the failure of a line connected to a refrigerated LPG storage vessel. The release, vaporization, and subsequent dispersion are modeled using the consequence analysis software QuestFOCUS. The overpressure field predicted by the new Area Source model is examined in the light of experimental data and the assumption of a uniform probability of ignition at the spill site.
Here is a copy of my bibliography
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Last modified 14 December 1995.