Simulation analysis on destructive effect of gas explosion happening inside thin-shell construction

In order to study gas explosion destructive effect, an equivalent model of high pressure gas with its main parameters determined by calculation was proposed according to the key characteristics of accidnet data, obtained in accident analysis. By using Shell/Euler coupling algorithm of AUTODYN, a numerical simulation for methane destructive effect was performed. According to the simulation results of one dimethylbenzene explosion accident, it is shown that the dimethylbenzene explosion can cause a certain degree of structural damage to the box-type beam. The welding joints between the roof and sides of the beam were partially ruptured while the welding joints between the side and floor were completely broken. High-pressure products rush out of the floor. The simulation results agree well with the accident destruction features and the simulation method was thus verified. Evidently, the simulation can directly describe the dynamic evolution process of explosion. Besides, the high pressure gas model proposed can reliably consider gas properties, and accurately work out gas type, content and filling position. The analysis results also indicate inner ribs can strengthen the shell of the box-type beam. By the analysis, the explosion risk of dimethylbenzene was expounded, so the results may promote the norm-setting for places involving dimethylbenzene, and provide references to similar safety design.