Propagation of shock and detonation waves in channels with U-shaped bends of limiting curvature

Systematic experimental and theoretical studies of the propagation of shock and detonation waves in cylindrical tubes and planar channels with two U-shaped bends of limiting curvature were performed. It was demonstrated that U-shaped bends substantially facilitate detonation initiation in gases. The minimum shock wave velocity required to initiate the detonation of a stoichiometric propane-air mixture under normal conditions in a near-critical diameter tube with two U-shaped bends of limiting curvature was found to be ～800 m/s.