[AR] Re: Self-pressurization of LOX tank
- From: Nate Vack <njvack@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
- To: arocket@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
- Date: Tue, 13 Sep 2016 15:44:58 +0000
On Tue, Sep 13, 2016 at 8:30 AM Robert Watzlavick <rocket@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
wrote:
Is there danger of a BLEVE due to the rapid pressure drop?
My understanding of BLEVEs (and I would very much like someone to correct
me if I'm wrong) is that there's nothing super magical about it; it's that
the fluid has a tremendous urge to become a gas. The big booms you see on
Mythbusters' water heaters and exploding propane tanks happen because the
case has ruptured and the fluid, now given the opportunity to become a gas,
takes full advantage.
So, if your vent can safely discharge your fluid without damage
(high-velocity, possibly mixed-phase flows can do bad things, I imagine) I
think you're okay. A rapid pressure drop doesn't make the fluid explode;
the fluid exploding leads to its pressure dropping very rapidly.
But again: I'm posting this in large part so people who know more can
correct me.
Best,
-Nate
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