Breakup of steady-state detonation in hydrogen-air mixtures under the action of propane admixtures

Abstract

Minor amounts of propane effectively inhibit the detonation of hydrogen-air mixtures at atmospheric pressure. Controlled variation of the amount of the admixture provides means to break up the steady-state detonation wave at a preset distance from the place of its origination and to regulate its velocity in a certain range. This is possible due to the branched chain character of the combustion reaction in the detonation mode. Propane is not inferior to propylene in the effectiveness of action on detonation and, owing to its low cost and higher availability, is preferable as a means of preventing the explosion and detonation of hydrogen-air mixtures.