Computational Fluid Dynamics Analysis of Full-Scale Methane Explosions Compared to Field Testing Results

Details

• Journal Article:
  Mining, Metallurgy & Exploration
• Personal Author:
  Schnell, Daykin ; Calnan, Josh ; Petrov, Todor ; Silva, Jhon ; Agioutantis, Zach ; Aramayo, Estefania ; Hernandez Garcia, Carlos
• Description:
  There is a long and unfortunate history of accidental explosions in underground coal mines in the United States. While safety controls have reduced the potential for methane explosions in the US, there still exists the potential for methane explosions if safe mining conditions are not maintained or an unforeseen accident occurs. Multiple analyses have been completed with various models being developed to help understand the potential impact of methane explosions. This paper establishes a methodology and presents initial results as part of ongoing research and testing to develop and validate a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model to predict the potential pressures resulting from underground methane explosions. Full-scale field-testing results are compared to current full-scale CFD models to predict, analyze, and test the pressures resulting from underground methane explosions. Results indicate that, although there is some correlation between the established CFD model and field-test results, further improvement and verification of the CFD model remain warranted. Description provided by NIOSH
• Subjects:
  • Explosions
  • Methane
  • Mining
  • Occupational Health
  • Safety
• Keywords:
  • Computational fluid dynamics; CFD; Underground mines; Explosive gases; Explosions; Explosion damage; Analytical models;
  • Author Keywords: Computational fluid dynamics; Modeling; Methane explosion; Explosion pressure
• Source:
  Min Metall Explor 2026 Apr; :Epub ahead of print
• Series:
  Mining Publications
• ISSN:
  2524-3462
• Document Type:
  Text
• Funding:
  Cooperative Agreement
• Genre:
  Journal Article
• Place as Subject:
  Arizona ; Birmingham Region OSHA ; Denver Region OSHA ; Kansas City Region OSHA ; Kentucky ; Missouri ; San Francisco Region OSHA ; Utah
• CIO:
  National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
• Topic:
  Workplace Safety & Health
• Location:
  North America
• Pages in Document:
  13 pdf pages
• NIOSHTIC Number:
  nn:20071613
• Email:
  daykin.schnell@uky.edu
• CAS Registry Number:
  • Methane (CAS RN 74-82-8)
• Federal Fiscal Year:
  2026
• Performing Organization:
  Missouri University of Science and Technology
• Peer Reviewed:
  True
• Start Date:
  20210901
• End Date:
  20250831
• Download URL:
  https://stacks.cdc.gov/view/cdc/259388/cdc_259388_DS1.pdf
• File Type:
  [PDF - 2.06 MB]
• Collection(s):
  National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
• Main Document Checksum:
  urn:sha-512:74f84562ca889782b0a860fcc5406afca972174fff5c8e79a35533df01af024ac06c76373bd45ec500168d49de7886015ce2d670c3b5d9ca1def9964069d7a04