Simulation of ENACCEF2 Premixed Hydrogen-Air Mixture Deflagration Experiment Using OpenFOAM

During a severe accident in a nuclear power plant, hydrogen would be generated due to the oxidation of metallic components in steam atmosphere. In the containment hydrogen would form a combustible mixture, posing a deflagration or even detonation risk threatening the integrity of the containment. In order to estimate possible loads generated by the hydrogen combustion, reliable numerical tools are needed to simulate the deflagration process. Recently, the French HITHYGENE project consortium and the European Technical Safety Organization Network (ETSON) organized a benchmark on hydrogen combustion to identify the current level of the computational tools in the area of hydrogen combustion simulation under a severe accident typical conditions. The benchmark was based on the experiments performed in the ENACCEF2 facility. This paper presents post-benchmark simulations of the selected ENACCEF2 facility premixed hydrogen combustion experiment. The presented simulations were performed using a custom-built turbulent combustion OpenFOAM solver based on the progress variable model. Turbulent flame acceleration phase in the acceleration tube was well predicted. Furthermore, the simulations were able to capture the interaction between the flame and shock wave which was generated by the turbulent deflagration flame and reflected at the end of the ENACCEF2 tube. The overall numerical results show good agreement with the qualitative and quantitative behavior of the velocity results and flame front propagation.