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A thermodynamic model of a rail tank-car engulfed in fire

Conference · · HTD (Publ.) (Am. Soc. Mech. Eng.); (United States)
OSTI ID:5237233
A computer model of a rail tank-car, with its exterior surface exposed to an engulfing fire, has been developed. The model is 2-dimensional, and therefore, gradients of temperature and pressure along the axis of the tank are not accounted for. The model can predict tank pressure, wall temperatures, wall stresses, vapour and liquid mean temperatures, flow rates through the relief valve, and liquid level, as functions of time. Model predictions are presented for both full and fifth scale unprotected tank-cars filled with propane. These predictions are compared with available experimental data.
Research Organization:
Canadian Institute of Guided Ground Transport, Queen's University, Kingston
OSTI ID:
5237233
Report Number(s):
CONF-830702-
Conference Information:
Journal Name: HTD (Publ.) (Am. Soc. Mech. Eng.); (United States) Journal Volume: HTD-VOL.25
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English