Turbulent jet initiation of detonation in hydrogen-air mixtures

Large scale experiments (50 m³) have been carried out on the initiation of detonation by means of a jet of hot combustion products. The effects of hydrogen concentration (18–30% vol.), jet orifice diameter (100–400 mm), and the mixture composition in constant volume explosion chamber (25–50%) were investigated. Both high enough hydrogen concentration and large enough jet size are necessary for detonation initiation. The minimum values are within the ranges of 20 to 25% vol. H₂, and of 100 to 200 mm correspondingly. A minimum ratio of jet size and mixture cell width 12–13 is required for detonation initiation.