CHEMICAL DETONATIONS IN THE UPPER ATMOSPHERE
Abstract
Detonation characteristics of hydrogen-air mixtures in the 1959 ARDC Model Atmosphere environment, including atomic oxygen and nitrogen, are computed to 450,000 ft assuming one-dimensional, inviscid, real-gas conditions. The velocity limits of strong detonations (based on total enthalpy change) are discussed. Atomic oxygen reactant suppresses the exothermic reaction to H2O in favor of recombination, making hydrogen use above 400,000 ft unattractive. Equilibrium temperature and pressure ratios across detonations decrease with altitude, especially above 350,000 ft; they are extremely sensitive, and inversely proportional, to reactant temperature, and pressure exhibits a secondary effect. For comparable detonation conditions, acetylene appears almost as good an energy source as hydrogen. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 20, 1961
- Accession Number
- AD0270927
Entities
People
- Doug Wilson
- K.m. Foreman