A numerical simulation of the influence initial temperature has on the propagation characteristics of, and safe distance from, a gas explosion

A model roadway with a cross-sectional area of 80 mm × 80 mm and a length of 100 m was used to estimate the overpressure, the temperature, the density, and the combustion rate during an explosion. AutoReaGas software was used for the calculations and the initial temperatures were 248, 268, 308, or 328 K. The methane–air mixture had a fuel concentration of 9.5% and the tunnel had a filling ratio of 10%. The results show that the safe distance necessary to avoid harm from the shock wave increases with increasing initial temperature. The distance where the peak overpressure begins to rise, and where the maximum value occurs, increases as the initial temperature increases. These are almost linear functions of the initial temperature. At locations before shock wave attenuation has occurred increasing the initial temperature linearly increases the maximum temperature at each point following along the tunnel. At the same time, the peak overpressure, the maximum density, and the maximum combustion rate decrease linearly. However, after the shock wave has attenuated the attenuation extent of the peak overpressure decreases with an increase in initial temperature. The influence of the initial temperature on the explosion propagation depends on the combined effects of inhibiting and enhancing factors. The research results can provide a theoretical guidance for gas explosion disaster relief and treatment in underground coal mines.