Methods for modeling gas explosions

Recent accidents are a constant reminder of the need to take into account the technological risks associated with industrial operations. Among possible accidents, gas explosions can be particularly devastating. It is therefore essential for risk prevention engineers to understand the mechanism and be able to assess its effects. In this respect, the Buncefield (2005) and Jaipur (2007) accidents are particularly representative, in that the damage they caused was much greater than expected, not least because the intensity of the explosion took many specialists by surprise.

Over the past thirty years, a large number of methods have been developed to model the effects of a gas explosion and to understand its mechanisms. These approaches are very diverse, and include analytical, phenomenological and numerical approaches. The last decade has seen a marked increase in the use of numerical tools. In practice, however, a relatively limited number of methods are favored on an almost systematic basis. This article will therefore present the various industrial requirements for quantifying the effects of an explosion, and shed light on the relevance and evolution of current methods. It will also give a theoretical description of the main modeling methods in use today.