Detonation Wave Propagation in Concentration Gradients

Abstract

*† Freely propagating detonation waves traveling along concentration gradients may have application to high speed combustors or to the establishment of high speed lifted flames. However, experimental investigations into this flow configuration have been scarce. To investigate this flow, a computational parametric study was undertaken. The objectives of this study were to (1) establish if stable, steady–state detonation waves may propagate within concentration gradients, (2) document the flame structure, and (3) determine the propagation speed of these flames. Through this study it has been determined that detonation waves may indeed propagate along a concentration gradient in a stable manner. This paper documents the finding of this parametric study and discusses potential applications of these flames.