CFD simulation of underground coal dust explosions and active explosion barriers

Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) is being applied to the study of coal dust explosions and their suppression in underground coal mines. As part of an ACARP funded project to develop a practical active explosion barrier, CFD is being used to simulate the explosion dynamics in simple mine roadways before examining the design requirements for an active explosion barrier. Results of these simulations will be used to develop the specifications for a prototype active explosion barrier with a reduced requirement for large scale testing. Results to-date are very encouraging with validation of the model behaviour against a range of explosion conditions in the Simtars Siwek 20 L chamber and the CSIR’s 200 m explosion tunnel in South Africa. This paper presents the results of a number of simulations with comparison against data obtained from the 200 m tunnel and preliminary modeling of an active barrier. This modeling provides an opportunity to examine explosion dynamics at a level not seen before.