Spin detonation in reactive particles–oxidizing gas flow

Abstract

Development of detonation waves in corn starch particles–oxidizing gas mixtures was studied in a horizontal circular tube having an inside diameter of 141 mm and a test section length of 17.4 m. The results show that a stable self-sustained detonation can be achieved in such a heterogeneous system. The sequence of the transition process was essentially recognized as follows: (1) initial particle ignition, (2) pressure wave amplification by coherent energy release, (3) unsteady reaction shock, and (4) spin detonation. Thus transverse waves play a dominant role in stable detonation propagation in this two-phase system. The spin structure exists both on the circumference and in the inner region of the cross section. For a stable single spin detonation there are two constant velocities at the wave front: axial propagation velocity and angular velocity.