CFD model for hydrogen combustion effects on the heat-up characteristics of steel samples

The model captures detailed flame structures, temperature distributions, and convective heat transfer, allowing direct comparison of H₂ and NG effects on steel heating rates. It includes both a full-domain RANS approach and a numerically efficient localized turbulence model, reducing computation time by 90%.

The model can be used to study fuel substitution strategies, emission reduction, and process optimization in high-temperature industrial furnaces. The heating process with H 2 caused an enhanced convective heat transfer , which led to a 13% faster heating process compared to CH 4 . Overall, the combustion of H 2 can both reduce emissions and increase efficiency through lower fuel input and faster heat-up times.