Self-ignition and flow characteristics of pressurized hydrogen in Y-shaped tubes

The geometrical diversion of combustible gas molecules notably affects their self-ignition in high-pressure tubes. This study investigates the propagation of shock waves and flame induced by a sudden pressure release of hydrogen in various Y-shaped tubes. The impact of the initial burst pressure, downstream tube length, and bifurcation angle (60°, 120°) were analyzed by recording the pressure signals, photoelectric curves, and jet fire evolution. The results showed that the gas diversion caused by the Y-shaped structure significantly reduces the maximum overpressure of the hydrogen jet, the intensity, and the velocity of the leading shock wave. Also, it was indicated that increasing the Y-shaped tube's length downstream of the bifurcation point could enhance the strength of leading and reflected shock waves after the Y-bifurcation, making self-ignition more likely to happen. Applying a 60°-bifurcation angle could create stronger leading and reflected shock waves during the propagation downstream of the bifurcation point, while a 120°-bifurcation angle could make a more substantial reflected shock wave propagating upstream. It leads to the re-ignition downstream of the bifurcation in the 60°-bifurcation tube after the flame quenching and stronger far-field jet fire outside the tube.