Numerical Simulations of the Structure and Propagation of Self-Sustained Detonations.

Abstract

Two-dimensional time-dependent numerical simulations have been performed to determine a computational method of determining the natural cell size of a self-sustained detonation. The systematic approach developed involves simulating systems with tube heights both larger and smaller than the transverse cell spacing. This approach, tested on a mixture of hydrogen, oxygen and argon, provided us with an estimate of the cell size which is in excellent agreement with experimental observations. The simulations also provided insight into some aspects of the mechanism by which a self-sustained detonation propagates. The evolution of the curvature of the transverse wave appears to be the crucial feature. Depending on the curvature of the transverse wave at the time of its reflections from either a neighboring transverse wave or a wall, the cell is either flattened or pockets of unreacted gas can be formed. (Author)

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jun 21, 1984
Accession Number
ADA142486

Entities

People

  • Elaine Oran
  • Jay Paul Boris
  • Kazhikathra Kailasanath
  • T. R. Young

Organizations

  • United States Naval Research Laboratory

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Energy and Power Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Agreements
  • Cell Size
  • Cell Structure
  • Chemical Kinetics
  • Chemical Reactions
  • Collisions
  • Combustion
  • Computational Science
  • Curvature
  • Experimental Data
  • Geometry
  • Ignition
  • Materials
  • Military Research
  • Simulations
  • Transverse Waves
  • Two Dimensional

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Combustion Dynamics and Shock Wave Physics.
  • Computational Modeling and Simulation
  • Plasma Physics.

Technology Areas

  • Space
  • Space - Hall-Effect Thruster