Experimental Flame Dynamics Study of Pressurized Hydrogen Jet Fires

Understanding the characteristics of hydrogen flame is important in scoping the hazards and estimating the safety distance. While the previous experimental hydrogen jet fire studies provided the flame temperatures and the flame lengths, these data are limited, particularly in capturing the full span of the flame dynamics, including contours of the temperature and the surface emissive power of the vertical and horizontal hydrogen jet flames. Experimental tests were conducted to measure pressurized ignited hydrogen jets through a nozzle simulating a pinhole leak. The contours of the temperature were determined. Using previously established correlations, visible flame lengths were determined from the obtained IR flame lengths, and comparisons of the centerline temperatures were made. Centerline temperatures were found to be less than expected, but the profile behaviour matched previous studies. Visual flame lengths were found to match with previously reported values. An empirical correlation is found for the horizontal and vertical flame lengths with regard to the mass flow rate of hydrogen.