THE INFLUENCE OF WATER VAPOR ADDITION ON HYDROGEN-OXYGEN DETONATIONS
Abstract
The minimum detonation Mach number, below which detonative combustion is not possible, can be predicted by Belles' explosion limit criterion for H2-O2 mixtures. The criterion predicts also that the addition of water vapor increases this minimum Mach number. The experiments which are described here and which are based on the technique of slowing down an established Chapman-Jouguet detonation wave by exposing one of its sides to a compressible boundary verify this prediction. It is found that the addition of 2% water vapor to a stoichiometric H2-O2 mixture increases the minimum detonation Mach number by 3% as predicted by theory. It is also found that the same amount of water vapor decreases the reaction length by approximately 50% and that the addition of 1% of water vapor to 50% hydrogen 50% oxygen mixtures reduces the reaction length by approximately 30%. The experimental work of Kistaikowsky and Kydd is found to support the latter findings.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 01, 1965
- Accession Number
- AD0617962
Entities
People
- B. F. Kerkam
- E. K. Dabora
Organizations
- University of Michigan