Comparison of large-scale vented deflagration tests to CFD simulations for partially congested enclosures

Three series of tests were conducted with congestion levels corresponding to area blockage ratios (ABR) of 11%, 7.6%, and 4.2% in test series A, B and C, respectively. The obstacle-to-enclosure surface area ratio (Ar), a parameter used within the NFPA 68 correlations to quantify congestion within the vented enclosure, was equal to 0.39, 0.27, and 0.15 for test series A, B, and C, respectively. The peak pressures and impulses for each test are provided, along with pressure histories internal and external to the rig for selected tests. Comparisons of the test data to predictions made using the FLACS CFD code and NFPA 68 (2018) venting correlations are also provided.