Flat cloud modeling

Models for detonation and deflagration of flat vapor clouds in ideal situations are reviewed. An ideal situation is defined as pancake-shaped quiescent cloud (constant thickness, circular); homogeneous mixture; flat, unobstructed terrain; and central ignition. Nonideal features of real situations which are neglected in the models are discussed qualitatively. Analytical and numerical detonation models are described. Acoustic, and piston deflagration models are compared. Acoustic models tend to underestimate overpressure in the near field; the piston model agrees reasonably well with experimental data.