Quantitative Analysis of Explosion Characteristics Based on Ignition Location in an Ammonia Fuel Preparation Room Using CFD Simulation
Source abstract
Abstract
Ammonia (NH3) is a promising carbon-free marine fuel that is aligned with the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) decarbonization targets. However, its high toxicity and flammability pose serious explosion hazards, particularly in confined fuel preparation spaces. This study investigates the influence of the ignition source location on the explosion characteristics of ammonia within an ammonia fuel preparation room using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations via the FLACS platform. Nineteen ignition scenarios are established along the X-, Y-, and Z-axes. Key parameters, such as the maximum overpressure, pressure rise rate, reduction rate of flammable gas, ignition detection time, and spatial–temporal distributions of temperature and combustion products, are evaluated. The results show that the ignition location plays a critical role in the explosion dynamics. Ceiling-level ignition (Case 19) produced the highest overpressure (4.27 bar) and fastest pressure rise rate (2.20 bar/s), indicating the most hazardous condition. In contrast, the forward wall ignition (Case 13) resulted in the lowest overpressure (3.24 bar) and limited flame propagation. These findings provide essential insights into the risk assessment and safety design of ammonia-fueled marine systems.
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Research context
OpenAlex topics: Combustion and Detonation Processes · Risk and Safety Analysis · Marine and Coastal Research
SciVX discovery tags are terminology-based. OpenAlex topics are source-provided classifications.
Affiliations
Division of Ocean Polytech, Korea Institute of Maritime and Fisheries Technology, Busan 49111, Republic of Korea
Division of Education & Planning, Korea Institute of Maritime and Fisheries Technology, Busan 49111, Republic of Korea
Division of Marine System Engineering, Korea Maritime and Ocean University, Busan 49112, Republic of Korea
Division of Mechanical Engineering, Korea Maritime and Ocean University, Busan 49112, Republic of Korea
School of Mechanical Engineering, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK
Funding
Korea Institute of Marine Science and Technology Promotion · Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries
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