Discussions on Applying Numerical Simulation Results in Disaster Management: Beirut Explosion 2020 as an Example

Abstract

Results predicted from numerical simulations in fire and explosions are valuable for disaster management. Fluid flow and thermal behaviors predicted can be integrated with geospatial data to give important results in two- or three-dimensional maps. An explosion occurred on 4 August 2020 with blast devastating a large part of Beirut. Blast waves were simulated by finite difference or finite element models. Points to note in applying such numerical simulation results for disaster management and similar explosion hazards such as keeping numerous fuel tanks in residential areas were discussed in this paper.