Experimental and numerical study of light, fragile vent covers under vented gas explosions

In this study, the venting functions of autoclaved aerated concrete (AAC) and gypsum vent covers under gas explosion conditions were examined for the first time. Eleven sets of field tests were performed, data such as overpressure[sbnd]time history and rupture pressure data were collected, and failure modes were recorded and analysed. The results show that the AAC and gypsum panels can substantially reduce the internal peak overpressure and duration, and the AAC panel is the venting component with the best performance. The dynamic rupture pressure of venting covers obviously differs from the internal peak overpressure and static failure overpressure, so the opening process and dynamic effect of venting covers should be considered in the design. A numerical model of the AAC panel was established in LS-DYNA. In a parametric study, the panel thickness, material strength, boundary conditions and rate of overpressure rise considerably affected the rupture pressure. On this basis, an empirical formula for the rupture pressure and its applicable range is presented.