Interactions of shock waves with polydisperse particle clouds: Effects on mitigation and topological heterogeneity

Abstract

This study explores the efficiency of employing a particle-spray cloud to mitigate shock wave propagation, which is essential in various industrial applications, especially in preventing potential hydrogen explosions within nuclear reactor containment buildings. Numerical simulations, primarily in one- and two-dimensional configurations, are utilized to examine the interaction between shock waves and a cloud of polydisperse particles, considering both air and hydrogen–air mixtures as carrier gases. A novel reduced-order theoretical model is developed to analyze the dispersion pattern of polydisperse particles, with validation conducted through direct numerical simulations. Results demonstrate that the polydispersion of cloud particles significantly reduces shock wave propagation compared to monodisperse particles. Notably, particles with smaller diameters and higher standard deviations (σ) show increased attenuation effects. Additionally, scenarios with higher particle volume fractions (τv,0) contribute to enhanced shock wave attenuation. A critical incident Mach number is identified, indicating a significant change in shock wave transmission from supersonic to subsonic when Ms<2.8.