Investigation of Combustion Dynamics and Flame Properties of Fuel

A special issue of Fire (ISSN 2571-6255).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 May 2025 | Viewed by 5066

Special Issue Editors

Department of Safety Engineering, College of Safety and Environmental Engineering, Shandong University of Science and Technology, Qingdao, China
Interests: combustible gas/dust explosion; explosion venting; flame propagation; thermal runaway of lithium-ion batteries; safety protection

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Guest Editor
Institute of Forensic Science, Criminal Investigation School, China People’s Police University, Langfang, China
Interests: lithium ion battery; thermal runaway; combustion and explosions; fire investigation; fire extinguishing technology

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Guest Editor
Department of Safety Engineering, School of Safety Science and Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing, China
Interests: nanomaterials; hybrid materials; anode meterials; flame retardant; lithium sulfur batteries
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Department of Safety Engineering, Faculty of Geosciences and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, China
Interests: spontaneous ignition of high-pressure hydrogen; cryogenic hydrogen jet flame; hydrogen release and diffusion ; flame characteristic evolution; safety protection
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

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Guest Editor
Department of Safety Engineering, School of Safety Science and Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing, China
Interests: explosion protection; hydrogen energy safety; explosion resistance/inhibition; gas and dust explosion; explosion venting; chemical process safety

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Combustion, as a fundamental chemical reaction process, spans various fields including industry, energy, environment, and safety, playing a crucial role in energy efficiency, environmental pollution control, and fire and explosion safety. With the urgent demand for renewable energy and a low-carbon economy in today's society, research on fuel combustion kinetics and flame characteristics has become even more crucial. A deeper understanding of the dynamic processes of fuel combustion can help optimize combustion systems, improve energy efficiency, and reduce emissions, thereby mitigating the impacts of climate change and environmental pollution, as well as aiding in fire and explosion safety prevention.

In current research, with the development of advanced experimental techniques and computational methods, we have gained a deeper understanding of fuel combustion kinetics and flame characteristics. The application of techniques such as high-speed photography, laser diagnostics, and computational fluid dynamics enables us to observe and simulate the complex flow and chemical reactions during combustion, revealing many key combustion mechanisms and characteristics.

However, research on fuel combustion kinetics and flame characteristics also has some challenges. One challenge is the emergence of blended fuels (such as hydrogen-enriched natural gas and liquefied petroleum gas blended with dimethyl ether); with the widespread use of renewable energy, the use of blended fuels is becoming increasingly common, bringing new combustion characteristics and dynamic problems. Another challenge is the emergence of new energy storage materials (with lithium-ion batteries being the most representative); with the continuous development of energy storage technology, research on the combustion characteristics of new energy storage materials has also become a hot topic. Therefore, future research should focus on continuous innovation to develop combustion theories and technologies that adapt to new fuels and energy storage materials.

This Special Issue will provide a platform for researchers to jointly explore the latest advances and challenges in fuel combustion kinetics and flame characteristics. This Special Issue is dedicated to the publication of high-quality papers on fundamental principles and properties, theoretical calculations, and applied research in the field of fuel combustion for the growing community of scientists, engineers, and policy experts in fuel-energy-related fields. We welcome submission related but not limited to the following:

  1. Premixed and non-premixed flames
  2. Ignition and extinction phenomena;
  3. Flame propagation and flame structure;
  4. Flame cell and instabilities;
  5. Multi-phase reaction and catalytic combustion;
  6. Combustion under extreme conditions;
  7. Jet fire and radiation model;
  8. Fire and explosion dynamics;
  9. Li-ion battery thermal runaway fires and explosions;
  10. Heat/Flame suppression and fire extinguishing materials.

Dr. Qi Zhang
Dr. Huaibin Wang
Dr. Junling Wang
Dr. Liang Gong
Dr. Xingyan Cao
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Fire is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • fuel
  • fire dynamics
  • explosion propagation
  • flame properties
  • heat transfer and suppression

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Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

13 pages, 4141 KiB  
Article
Experimental Study on the Effect of Sealing Time on Combustion State of the Fuel-Ventilation Controlled Wood Crib
by Zuohui Xu, Haiyan Wang, Jiaying Hu, Lei Chen, Sentao Lu and Simin Tang
Fire 2024, 7(10), 360; https://doi.org/10.3390/fire7100360 - 10 Oct 2024
Viewed by 673
Abstract
A tunnel fire may gradually change from a fuel-controlled fire to a ventilation-controlled fire during the sealing process, so it is of great significance to study the influence of sealing time on the combustion state for safety control. In this study, an unsealed [...] Read more.
A tunnel fire may gradually change from a fuel-controlled fire to a ventilation-controlled fire during the sealing process, so it is of great significance to study the influence of sealing time on the combustion state for safety control. In this study, an unsealed wood-crib fire test was first carried out using a reduced-scale tunnel model. When the wind velocity is 0.10 m/s, the wood crib is fuel-controlled. Based on this, the combustion state of a wood-crib fire was studied experimentally when the sealing time was 1 min, 3 min, 7 min, and 10 min. The results showed that after sealing, the flame orientation is approximately vertical, and as the sealing time increases, the carbonization of the wood crib becomes more pronounced. The ratio of XCO/XCO2 exceeds 0.057 1 min after sealing, and the wood-crib fire becomes ventilation-controlled. When the sealing time is 7 min and 10 min, the increase rate of XCO/XCO2 is faster than when the sealing time is 1 min and 3 min. The earlier the initial sealing time, the better the fire can be suppressed. During the sealing process, the temperature on the downwind side of the fire source decreases exponentially. This study aims to provide a reference for the application of sealing technology in tunnel fires. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Investigation of Combustion Dynamics and Flame Properties of Fuel)
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12 pages, 3000 KiB  
Article
Experimental Study on the Thermal Behavior Characteristics of the Oxidative Spontaneous Combustion Process of Fischer–Tropsch Wax Residue
by Tongshuang Liu, Jun Deng, Min Yao, Xiaojing Yong, Tiejian Zhao, Xin Yi and Yongjun He
Fire 2024, 7(10), 348; https://doi.org/10.3390/fire7100348 - 30 Sep 2024
Viewed by 812
Abstract
Coal-to-liquid technology is a key technology to ensuring national energy security, with the Fischer–Tropsch synthesis process at its core. However, in actual production, Fischer–Tropsch wax residue exhibits the characteristics of spontaneous combustion due to heat accumulation, posing a fire hazard when exposed to [...] Read more.
Coal-to-liquid technology is a key technology to ensuring national energy security, with the Fischer–Tropsch synthesis process at its core. However, in actual production, Fischer–Tropsch wax residue exhibits the characteristics of spontaneous combustion due to heat accumulation, posing a fire hazard when exposed to air for extended periods. This significantly threatens the safe production operations of coal-to-liquid chemical enterprises. This study primarily focuses on the experimental investigation of the oxidative spontaneous combustion process of three typical types of wax residues produced during Fischer–Tropsch synthesis. Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) was used to test the thermal flow curves of the three wax residue samples. Kinetic analysis was performed using the Kissinger–Akahira–Sunose (KAS) and Flynn–Wall–Ozawa (FWO) methods to calculate their apparent activation energy. This study analyzed the thermal behavior characteristics, exothermic properties, and kinetic parameters of three typical wax residue samples, exploring the ease of reaction between wax residues and oxygen and their tendency for spontaneous combustion. The results indicate that Wax Residue 1 is rich in low-carbon chain alkanes and olefins, Wax Residue 2 contains relatively fewer low-carbon chain alkanes and olefins, while Wax Residue 3 primarily consists of high-carbon chain alkanes and olefins. This leads to different thermal behavior characteristics among the three typical wax residue samples, with Wax Residue 1 having the lowest heat release and average apparent activation energy and Wax Residue 3 having the highest heat release and average apparent activation energy. These findings suggest that Wax Residue 1 has a higher tendency for spontaneous combustion. This research provides a scientific basis for the safety management of the coal chemical industry, and further exploration into the storage and handling methods of wax residues could reduce fire risks in the future. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Investigation of Combustion Dynamics and Flame Properties of Fuel)
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24 pages, 10495 KiB  
Article
Explosion Shock Dynamics and Hazards in Complex Civil Buildings: A Case Study of a Severe Fuel Explosion Accident in Yinchuan, China
by Qianran Hu, Ruoheng Zhang, Xinming Qian, Mengqi Yuan and Pengliang Li
Fire 2024, 7(9), 310; https://doi.org/10.3390/fire7090310 - 30 Aug 2024
Viewed by 1025
Abstract
Gas explosion accidents can easily lead to large-scale casualties and economic losses, significantly impeding the urban development. The purpose of this study was to comprehensively review and investigate a significant gas fuel explosion accident in Yinchuan City, China, and to conduct an in-depth [...] Read more.
Gas explosion accidents can easily lead to large-scale casualties and economic losses, significantly impeding the urban development. The purpose of this study was to comprehensively review and investigate a significant gas fuel explosion accident in Yinchuan City, China, and to conduct an in-depth discussion on process traceability, failure risk, hazard prevention, and urban development related to the accident. The research found that the accidental failure of double-valve liquefied petroleum gas cylinders and human error were identified as the direct causes of gas leakage. The numerical results indicated that the progression of the accident disaster was chaotic and highly destructive. The maximum explosion overpressure of 92 kPa resulted in severe shock-wave damage to personnel, leading to the complete destruction and collapse of the 0.2 m thick solid brick wall and obstructing the stairway for escape. The rapid change in temperature and oxygen levels caused by the explosion led to the risk of burns and asphyxiation for personnel at the scene. By utilizing the system safety theory, a gas leakage accident control structure system was developed. This system comprised four key levels: the local government, gas management department, gas company, and individual user. The tragedy of 31 deaths was ultimately caused by a serious lack of safety constraints on the behavior of the lower level by the higher level. The research conclusions are of great significance for preventing clean fuel explosion accidents and ensuring sustainable urban development, especially in the face of the negative impact of accidents. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Investigation of Combustion Dynamics and Flame Properties of Fuel)
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27 pages, 10762 KiB  
Article
Numerical Study on Explosion Risk and Building Structure Dynamics of Long-Distance Oil and Gas Tunnels
by Shengzhu Zhang, Xu Wang, Qi Zhang, Zhipeng Bai and Xu Cao
Fire 2024, 7(9), 302; https://doi.org/10.3390/fire7090302 - 26 Aug 2024
Viewed by 822
Abstract
To comprehensively understand the explosion risk in underground energy transportation tunnels, this study employed computational fluid dynamics technology and finite element simulation to numerically analyze the potential impact of an accidental explosion for a specific oil and gas pipeline in China and the [...] Read more.
To comprehensively understand the explosion risk in underground energy transportation tunnels, this study employed computational fluid dynamics technology and finite element simulation to numerically analyze the potential impact of an accidental explosion for a specific oil and gas pipeline in China and the potential damage risk to nearby buildings. Furthermore, the study investigated the effects of tunnel inner diameter (d = 4.25 m, 6.5 m), tunnel length (L = 4 km, 8 km, 16 km), and soil depth (primarily Lsoil = 20 m, 30 m, 40 m) on explosion dynamics and on structural response characteristics. The findings indicated that as the tunnel length and inner diameter increased, the maximum explosion overpressure gradually rose and the peak arrival time was delayed, especially when d = 4.25 m; with the increase in L, the maximum explosion overpressure rapidly increased from 1.03 MPa to 2.12 MPa. However, when d = 6.5 m, the maximum explosion overpressure increased significantly by 72.8% from 1.25 MPa. Evidently, compared to the change in tunnel inner diameter, tunnel length has a more significant effect on the increase in explosion risk. According to the principle of maximum explosion risk, based on the peak explosion overpressure of 2.16 MPa under various conditions and the TNT equivalent calculation formula, the TNT explosion equivalent of a single section of the tunnel was determined to be 1.52 kg. This theoretical result is further supported by the AUTODYN 15.0 software simulation result of 2.39 MPa (error < 10%). As the soil depth increased, the distance between the building and the explosion source also increased. Consequently, the vibration peak acceleration and velocity gradually decreased, and the peak arrival time was delayed. In comparison to a soil depth of 10 m, the vibration acceleration at soil depths of 20 m and 30 m decreased by 81.3% and 91.7%, respectively. When the soil depth was 10 m, the building was at critical risk of vibration damage. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Investigation of Combustion Dynamics and Flame Properties of Fuel)
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11 pages, 13027 KiB  
Article
Experimental Study on Explosion Characteristics of LPG/Air Mixtures Suppressed by CO2 Synergistic Inert Powder
by Enlai Zhao, Zhentang Liu, Song Lin and Xiaomeng Chu
Fire 2024, 7(8), 275; https://doi.org/10.3390/fire7080275 - 6 Aug 2024
Viewed by 952
Abstract
In order to study the explosion suppression characteristics of LPG/air mixture by CO2 synergistic inert powder, explosion suppression experiments were conducted in a 20 L explosion device. The results show that the explosion suppression effect of NaHCO3 powder is prior to [...] Read more.
In order to study the explosion suppression characteristics of LPG/air mixture by CO2 synergistic inert powder, explosion suppression experiments were conducted in a 20 L explosion device. The results show that the explosion suppression effect of NaHCO3 powder is prior to Al(OH)3 powder under the condition of no CO2 synergy. As the mass concentration of inert powder increases, the peak value of explosion pressure Pex and the peak value of the pressure rise rate (dP/dt)ex decrease, and the explosion suppression effect gradually enhances. Gas–solid two-phase inhibitors exhibit more significant inhibitory effects than single-phase inhibitors. Increasing the volume fraction of CO2 or the mass concentration of inert powder can improve the explosion suppression effect. The explosion suppression effect of CO2/NaHCO3 is significantly better than that of CO2/Al(OH)3. The research results have certain significance for the prevention and control of LPG explosion accidents. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Investigation of Combustion Dynamics and Flame Properties of Fuel)
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