The dual effect and mechanism analysis of expanded aluminum on an ethylene explosion

Abstract

In order to expand the application range of expanded aluminum (EA) in olefin explosions, the 6.5% ethylene-air explosions different densities of EA filling were analyzed. EA with a low filling density promotes the rapid release of ethylene energy, resulting in severe material deformation. When EA reaches 35 kg m⁻³, it shows an inhibition effect. The material characterization and simulation results show that aluminum oxide on the EA surface increases after the explosion, ˙O and ˙OH react with aluminum to form alumina, reducing the ethylene free radical reaction, indicating that the material can destroy free radicals. It indicates that a low filling density EA mainly causes combustion to form turbulence, accelerates the chain reaction, and promotes the release of energy. With increasing EA densities, the honeycomb hole is smaller than the MESG, more free radicals are destroyed, and the explosion is suppressed. This provides a reference and guidance for the future application of EA and the study of controllable detonation.