Simulation of explosions and assessment of structural integrity

When assessing the risk associated with the accidental dispersion of a flammable gas, the
consequences of a deflagration on the platform and its effects on the integrity of the entire
structure have to be assessed and faced.
fluidyn-MP FSI is a numerical tool designed for the mechanical interaction between fluid (in
which the pressure wave will propagate) and the structure (in which the stresses will be built at
the wave passage). Fast, transient phenomena involving compressibility of the air are easily
solved by the strong coupling between the finite element method for the structural computation
and the finite volume method for the finite volume method.
The example shown here of such an application deals with CH
4
explosion on an offshore
platform.

Cross-section of the offshore platform. The red area is filled with flammable gas (methane)




Windfield on a horizontal plane inside the cloud. Temperature contours on the structure as
the wave goes by.



Pressure wave on the platform during the expansion phase of deflagration