FLACS Explosion Modeling
Computational Fluid Dynamics Using FLACS
The FLACS (FLame ACceleration Simulator) CFD code has been used by BakerRisk to model flammable gas release and dispersion, vapor cloud explosion (VCE) blast loads, and turbine exhaust plume dispersion for both on-shore and off-shore facilities. BakerRisk has utilized FLACS dispersion analysis capabilities on numerous occasions to predict flammable gas cloud location and volume as a precursor to blast load analyses in projects supporting the design of protective structures as well as to predict the extent and concentration of flammable gas clouds in accident analyses and litigation support. FLACS dispersion tools provide the capability of modeling:
- Steady-state releases (jets)
- Transient releases
- Multiple leak locations
- Multiple momentum sources and sinks (ventilation system supply- and return-air fans)
- Transient or steady-state wind fields
- Pool evaporation
Examples of FLACS applications involving blast load analyses include:
- Evaluation of VCE hazards of offshore and onshore oil and gas production platforms or facilities
- Explosion mitigation features (e.g., grating, vent panels and openings, water spray, etc.)
- Management of explosion hazards of refineries and chemical processing plants
- VCE blast loads on chemical processing plant buildings
- External blast loading due to a VCE within a vented enclosure
In some cases, the blast loading obtained from FLACS is used as input for detailed finite element analysis (FEA) of structures using the LS-DYNA code.
BakerRisk has performed more than forty projects using FLACS for both dispersion and VCE blast load evaluations.
Experiment in BakerRisk Test Rig
FLACS Simulation
FLACS Simulation of Flame Propagation in the BakerRisk Test Rig
FLACS Simulation of a VCE within a Process Module
HVAC Ventilation Vector Plot within an Enclosure
Fuel Concentration Contours from Simulated Leaks on an Off-Shore Facility
3D Model
Sliced 2D View
FLACS Turbine Exhaust Simulation
