Fundamentals of rotating detonations

A rotating detonation propagating at nearly Chapman–Jouguet velocity is numerically stabilized on a two-dimensional simple chemistry flow model. Under purely axial injection of a combustible mixture from the head end of a toroidal section of coaxial cylinders, the rotating detonation is proven to give no average angular momentum at any cross section, giving an axial flow. The detonation wavelet connected with an oblique shock wave ensuing to the downstream has a feature of unconfined detonation, causing a deficit in its propagation velocity. Due to Kelvin–Helmholtz instability existing on the interface of an injected combustible, unburnt gas pockets are formed to enter the junction between the detonation and oblique shock waves, generating strong explosions propagating to both directions. Calculated specific impulse is as high as 4,700 s.      

Existence of Solutions for Steady Detonation of Gas Suspensions

The existence of solutions of the traveling–wave type is studied for a system of equations that describes a one–dimensional motion of a suspension of evaporating particles in a viscous and heat–conducting chemically reacting gas. Using topological methods, it is shown that solutions corresponding to weak, strong, and Chapman—Jouguet detonation exist under certain restrictions on energy release and mass transfer.     

Influence of Molecular Characteristics of a Substance on Detonation Phenomena

In the present study, the molecular-dynamics method has been used to examine the influence of the thermal effect of the chemical reaction on processes in a detonating molecular crystal (propagation velocity and structure of the detonation wave, delay time of the chemical reaction, and energy macrocharacteristics of the crystal in the disturbed region). Molecular-dynamics data are compared with predictions of the continuum theory of detonation; in particular, fulfillment of the Chapman–Jouguet condition is verified.     

Flow of a gas behind a Chapman-Jouguet detonation wave in the vicinity of a line of discontinuity of a surface wave curvature

This paper discusses questions of constructing a solution of the gasdynamic equations near a line of curvature discontinuity at the surface of a detonation wave, propagating under Chapman—Jouguet conditions. It describes the construction of the solution in two cases: in a flow arising with the initiation of a detonation along a half-plane in a quiescent homogeneous combustible gas and in a flow arising with the initiation of a detonation along a half-line under these same conditions.Translated from Izvestiya Akademii Nauk SSSR, Mekhanika Zhidkosti i Gaza, No. 1, pp. 120–126, January–February, 1978.     

Head-on Collision of a Detonation with a Planar Shock Wave

The phenomenon that occurs when a Chapman–Jouguet (CJ) detonation collides with a shock wave is discussed. Assuming a one-dimensional steady wave configuration analogous to a planar shock–shock frontal interaction, analytical solutions of the Rankine–Hugoniot relationships for the transmitted detonation and the transmitted shock are obtained by matching the pressure and particle velocity at the contact surface. The analytical results indicate that there exist three possible regions of solutions, i.e. the transmitted detonation can have either strong, weak or CJ solution, depending on the incident detonation and shock strengths. On the other hand, if we impose the transmitted detonation to have a CJ solution followed by a rarefaction fan, the boundary conditions are also satisfied at the contact surface. The existence of these multiple solutions is verified by an experimental investigation. It is found that the experimental results agree well with those predicted by the second wave interaction model and that the transmitted detonation is a CJ detonation. Unsteady numerical simulations of the reactive Euler equations with both simple one-step Arrhenius kinetic and chain-branching kinetic models are also carried out to look at the transient phenomena and at the influence of a finite reaction thickness of a detonation wave on the problem of head-on collision with a shock. From all the computational results, a relaxation process consisting of a quasi-steady period and an overshoot for the transmitted detonation subsequent to the head-on collisions can be observed, followed by the asymptotic decay to a CJ detonation as predicted theoretically. For unstable pulsating detonations, it is found that, due to the increase in the thermodynamic state of the reactive mixture caused by the shock, the transmitted pulsating detonation can become more stable with smaller amplitude and period oscillation. These observations are in good agreement with experimental evidence obtained from smoked foils where there is a significant decrease in the detonation cell size after a region of relaxation when the detonation collides head-on with a shock wave.     

Detonation propagation in hydrogen–air mixtures with transverse concentration gradients

The influence of transverse concentration gradients on detonation propagation in \(\hbox {H}_2\)–air mixtures is investigated experimentally in a wide parameter range. Detonation fronts are characterized by means of high-speed shadowgraphy, OH* imaging, pressure measurements, and soot foils. Steep concentration gradients at low average \(\hbox {H}_2\) concentrations lead to single-headed detonations. A maximum velocity deficit compared to the Chapman–Jouguet velocity of 9 % is observed. Significant amounts of mixture seem to be consumed by turbulent deflagration behind the leading detonation. Wall pressure measurements show high local pressure peaks due to strong transverse waves caused by the concentration gradients. Higher average \(\hbox {H}_2\) concentrations or weaker gradients allow for multi-headed detonation propagation.     

A double-front structure of detonation wave as the result of phase transitions

Using thermochemical code calculations, we show that the nanographite–nanodiamond phase transition, which may occur in the detonation products of a number of carbon containing explosives, can affect the detonation properties and can cause a specific detonation regime with some unusual peculiarities. Among them, we first note the failure of the Chapman–Jouguet condition and the presence of the sonic plane, where the Mach number is equal to unity, in a detonation product expansion wave at a lower pressure than that at the Chapman–Jouguet point. The peculiarities of this detonation regime are demonstrated by the example of TNT, HNS, and RDX. The computed detonation velocities are in excellent agreement with experiments over a wide range of initial charge densities for all of the investigated explosives. The results of this work allow one to explain, e.g., contradictory experimental data on the detonation pressure and on the length of the reaction zone for TNT. We believe that some other solid–solid, solid–liquid, and liquid–liquid phase transformations in the detonation products may also cause a detonation regime with the same features as shown here for the nanographite–nanodiamond transition. We suggest a computational study that should facilitate proposing detonation experiments strongly arguing in favor of the model presented. PACS 47.40.-x; 47.40.Rs; 64.70.-p; 64.70.Kb; 05.70.-a; 05.70-.CeThis paper was based on the work that was presented at the 19th International Colloquium on the Dynamics of Explosions and Reactive Systems, Hakone, Japan, July 27–August 1, 2003.     

The propagation mechanism of high speed turbulent deflagrations

The propagation regimes of combustion waves in a 30 cm by 30 cm square cross–sectioned tube with an obstacle array of staggered vertical cylindrical rods (with BR=0.41 and BR=0.19) are investigated. Mixtures of hydrogen, ethylene, propane, and methane with air at ambient conditions over a range of equivalence ratios are used. In contrast to the previous results obtained in circular cross–sectioned tubes, it is found that only the quasi–detonation regime and the slow turbulent deflagration regimes are observed for ethylene–air and for propane–air. The transition from the quasi–detonation regime to the slow turbulent deflagration regime occurs at (where D is the tube “diameter” and is the detonation cell size). When , the quasi–detonation velocities that are observed are similar to those in unobstructed smooth tubes. For hydrogen–air mixtures, it is found that there is a gradual transition from the quasi–detonation regime to the high speed turbulent deflagration regime. The high speed turbulent deflagration regime is also observed for methane–air mixtures near stoichiometric composition. This regime was previously interpreted as the “choking” regime in circular tubes with orifice plate obstacles. Presently, it is proposed that the propagation mechanism of these high speed turbulent deflagrations is similar to that of Chapman–Jouguet detonations and quasi-detonations. As well, it is observed that there exists unstable flame propagation at the lean limit where . The local velocity fluctuates significantly about an averaged velocity for hydrogen–air, ethylene–air, and propane–air mixtures. Unstable flame propagation is also observed for the entire range of high speed turbulent deflagrations in methane–air mixtures. It is proposed that these fluctuations are due to quenching of the combustion front due to turbulent mixing. Quenched pockets of unburned reactants are swept downstream, and the subsequent explosion serves to overdrive the combustion front. The present study indicates that the dependence on the propagation mechanisms on obstacle geometry can be exploited to elucidate the different complex mechanisms of supersonic combustion waves. Received 5 November 2001 / Accepted 12 June 2002 / Published online 4 November 2002 Correspondence to: J. Chao (e-mail: jenny.chao@mail.mcgill.ca) An abridged version of this paper was presented at the 18th Int. Colloquium on the Dynamics of Explosions and Reactive Systems at Seattle, USA, from July 29 to August 3, 2001.     

Experimental observation of the onset of detonation downstream of a perforated plate

In this study, the onset of detonation downstream of a perforated plate subsequent to the reflection of a Chapman–Jouguet detonation upstream is investigated. The experiments were performed with C₃H₈ + 5O₂ and C₂H₂+2.5O₂+70%Ar. The former has a much more irregular transverse wave pattern whereas the latter is known to have a piecewise laminar structure with a regular cellular structure. The onset of detonation phenomenon was found to be significantly different for the two mixtures. For the high argon diluted mixtures, the onset of detonation occurs in the vicinity downstream of the perforated plate. However, if the onset of detonation does not occur close to the plate, the precursor shock decouples from the reaction zone and a deflagration results. For the propane–oxygen mixtures, the onset of detonation is found to occur relatively far from the perforated plate at critical conditions. The major difference between these two mixtures is that the metastable turbulent reaction front can be maintained for relatively long distances for the propane–oxygen mixture. This turbulent metastable regime is also observed to be able to maintain a relatively constant propagation velocity for many channel widths prior to the onset of detonation. For the propane–oxygen mixtures, the onset is caused by a strong local explosion within the turbulent reaction zone.     

One-dimensional diffusional model of heterogeneous (gas-film) detonation

The detonation process in a tube filled with a gaseous oxidant (oxygen) and which has a thick layer of fuel (carbon with a low vapor pressure) deposited over its entire perimeter is examined; the weight ratio of fuel to oxidant considerably exceeds the stoichiometric ratio. It is assumed that the rate of heat release is determined by the diffusional (noninstantaneous) process of mixing of the vaporizing fuel and the oxidant. An estimate is made of the effect on the detonation parameters of heterogeneity in the composition over the cross section of the tube and of friction and heat losses. Dependences of the detonation parameters (propagation velocity, pressure profile in the front, distance to the Chapman—Jouquet plane) on the thermophysical properties of the fuel and oxidant are obtained.Translated from Zhurnal Prikladnoi Mekhaniki i Tekhnicheskoe Fiziki, No. 3, pp. 86–95, May–June, 1974.     

Scale effect of spherical projectiles for stabilization of oblique detonation waves

Shock Waves - Oblique detonation waves (ODWs) were stabilized by launching a spherical projectile with 1.2–1.4 times the Chapman–Jouguet (C–J) velocity into detonable mixtures at...     

Intensification of a detonation wave in the zone of secondary reactions in a two-phase medium

A method is proposed for the numerical calculation of one-dimensional nonsteady-state flows of a mixture of a gas with particles, based on the separation of a system of differential equations for a two-phase medium into two subsystems. The problem is solved concerning the propagation of a plane detonation wave in a mixture of a detonating gas with particles, behind the front of which secondary chemical reactions are taking place between the vapors of the particle material and the detonation products. The velocity profiles of the gas and of the thermodynamic functions behind the detonation wave front are determined, and also the dependence of the detonation velocity on the distance to the point of initiation. The conditions for intensification of the detonation wave are obtained in the zone of secondary reactions.Leningrad. Translated from Izvestiya Akademii Nauk SSSR, Mekhanika Zhidkosti i Gaza, No. 5, pp. 92–96, September–October, 1972.     

Propagation Regimes of Self-Supported Light-Detonation Waves

The light-detonation wave structure is investigated. It is shown that self-supported laser radiation absorption waves can propagate in the Jouguet detonation or undercompressed detonation regimes. The conditions of realization of these regimes are found numerically. It is shown that the undercompressed detonation regime is realized if the radiation flux is sufficiently powerful. In the case of a light-detonation wave this regime is theoretically detected and investigated for the first time.     

Similarity motions of a gas in the case of local supply of mass and energy in a fuel mixture

One-dimensional nonstationary similarity motions of a gas with exothermic reactions behind shock waves are analyzed. The thickness of the region of chemical reactions is ignored. New solutions are obtained for the problems of flows of a chemically active gas with the formation of shock and detonation waves. In particular, it is shown that in the framework of the adopted schemes of the combustion process a solution with five strong-discontinuity surfaces can be constructed. The results are given of numerical solutions for supercompression detonation and Chapman-Jouguet detonation.Translated from Izvestiya Akademii Nauk SSSR, Mekhanika Zhidkosti i Gaza, No. 4, pp. 70–77, July–August, 1979.     

Detonation wave initiated by explosive condensation of supersaturated carbon vapor

An experimental study of the influence of condensation of supersaturated carbon vapor formed behind reflected shock waves on the process of propagation of a shock wave and formation of a detonation wave of condensation is carried out. Highly supersaturated carbon vapor was formed from thermal decay of unstable carbon suboxide C₃O₂ → C + 2CO behind a shock wave in mixtures containing 10–30% C₃O₂ in Ar. This reaction was followed by fast growth of condensed carbon particles, accompanied by heat release. Experiments have shown a considerable temperature and pressure increase in the narrow zone behind the wave front, resulting in shock wave amplification and transition to a detonation-like regime. An analysis of the kinetics and heat release in the given conditions and calculations based upon one-dimensional detonation theory have shown that in a mixture of 10% C₃O₂ + Ar, insufficient heat release resulted in a regime of “overdriven detonation”. In a mixture of 20% C₃O₂ + Ar a very good coincidence of measured values of pressure and wave velocity with calculated Chapman–Jouguet parameters is observed. In a 30% C₃O₂ + Ar mixture, an excess heat release caused a slow down of the effective condensation rate and a regime of “underdriven detonation” is observed.     

Propagation of shock and detonation waves in dust-laden gases

This article examines the flows of a two-phase mixture of a gas with solid particles arising as a result of the propagation of shock waves or detonation waves through a homogeneous medium at rest. It is assumed that the basic assumptions of the mechanics of mutually penetrating continua hold [1], whereby it is possible to describe the flow of each phase of the mixture within the framework of the mechanics of a continuous medium. We assume that the solid phase consists of identical, incompressible, and nondeformable particles of spherical shape. It is assumed that the temperature inside the particles is homogeneous. Collisions between particles and their Brownian motion are ignored. It is assumed that the carrier phase is an ideal gas (the viscosity is only allowed for in the interaction forces between phases). The contribution of the volume of the particles is not considered. On the basis of these assumptions, the following problems are considered: the propagation of a detonation wave in a mixture of a detonating gas and chemically inert particles and the motion of a dust-gas mixture in a shock tube in the presence of combustion of the particles.Translated from Izvestiya Akademii Nauk SSSR, Mekhanika Zhidkosti i Gaza, No. 6. pp. 93–99, November–December, 1984.     

The detonation burning of a fuel mixture resulting from a double explosion

A study is made of the propagation of a multifront detonation burning in a fuel mixture consisting of a gaseous fuel and an oxidant with additions of combustible solid or liquid particles arising as a result of a double point explosion. In such combustible media it is possible for there to be propagation of several detonation or burning fronts following one after the other. The easily igniting gaseous fuel burns in the first detonation wave, which propagates in the gaseous mixture with particles which are heated by the products of the explosion, ignite and burn in the second detonation wave or in the flame front. Self-similar regimes of propagation of such waves in an idealized formulation were studied in [1].Translated from Izvestiya Akademii Nauk SSSR, Mekhanika Zhidkosti i Gaza, No. 2, pp. 126–131, March–April, 1985.     

Shear flows of a liquid with a power-type rheological law in the presence of a constant transverse velocity component

Plane shear flows of dilatant liquids are considered in the presence of a constant transverse velocity component of the liquid; this component arises from uniform injection (or suction) at the bounding surfaces. It is shown that the presence of transverse drift in the liquid influences the rate of propagation of the leading edge of the shear waves, and this has a number of effects on the flows.Translated from Izvestiya Akademii Nauk SSSR, Mekhanika Zhidkosti i Gaza, No. 4, pp. 15–21, July–August, 1973.     

HMX粒度与爆轰波传播性能的关系研究

采用楔形装药,用临界截面厚度来表征爆轰波传播特性,分别对两种密度条件下HMX粒度对其自身和以HMX为主体的混合炸药HMX/F2641（wHMX/wF2641=95∶5）爆轰波传播性能的影响作了实验研究。结果表明:HMX粒度对爆轰波传播特性有显著的影响,随着HMX粒度的减小,临界截面厚度变小,即爆轰波传播性能增强;同一HMX粒度下, HMX/F2641爆轰波传播性能优于HMX;装药密度的增加有利于爆轰波传递。     

Detonation diffraction in combustible high-speed flows

Detonation propagating in a T-shaped tube with quiescent and moving hydrogen/oxygen/argon mixtures is numerically examined based on the Euler equations with detailed finite-rate chemistry using the fifth-order weighted essentially non-oscillatory scheme. When diffracted in a quiescent combustible mixture, the detonation wave propagating from the bottom of the T-shaped tube is influenced by the corner rarefaction waves and decays into a non-reacting shock. Subsequently, the decoupled shock reflects irregularly from the top wall. Through several reflections back and forth between the top and bottom walls, a planar detonation is finally re-established. When the combustible mixture in the horizontal part flows from the left to the right, the detonation products ejected from the vertical tube will retard the flow, generating a compression flow upstream and a rarefaction flow downstream. The disturbed detonation on the left side is stronger than that on the right side. The final planar detonation in the upstream direction propagates faster than the Chapman–Jouguet (CJ) detonation with compressed, fine cellular structures, whereas the detonation in the downstream direction propagates more slowly than the CJ detonation with elongated, coarse cellular structures. The details of the transient behavior of diffracting detonation in high-speed flows are discussed.