Numerical flow simulation of dust deflagrations

Abstract Computational fluid dynamics (cfd) has proven to be a powerful tool in the study of many complex flow systems. The paper presents an approach to applying cfd to dust deflagrations. The method used is intended for applications of practical interest rather than for a detailed investigation of the basic explosion mechanisms. The gas-particle mixture is described as a continuous two-phase flow with interphasial transfer of mass, momentum and heat. Turbulence is calculated with the two equation (k, ϵ)-model. The application of the model to peat dust deflagration experiments in a closed 20 dm3 vessel shows promising results.