Effects of obstacle position and number on the overpressure of hydrogen combustion in a semi-confined compartment

During a severe accident in a pressurized water reactor, large quantities of hydrogen can be produced and released into the containment. The hydrogen mixed with air may be ignited. Rapid pressure rise is likely to occur during hydrogen combustion in a semi-confined compartmentbecause the length–diameter ratio of the compartment is relatively large and there generally are some devices and components in the compartment. Obstacle position and number have a significant and complex effect on combustion pressure. In this paper, a numerical analysis of the effects of obstacle position and number on the overpressure of hydrogen combustion in a semi-confinedcompartment was carried out to identify the arrangement of obstacles that can decrease the pressure loads generated by hydrogen combustion. The overpressure in the compartment with a single obstacle was found first increases to a maximum value and then decreases as the obstacle moving from the closed end to the open end. When there are multiple obstacles existing in the compartment, minimize the obstacle spacing and number is likely to reduce the maximum overpressure of hydrogen combustion. In addition, intentionally adjust the length of obstacle arraymay help for reducing the maximum overpressure