Characteristics of cellular structure of detonation waves propagating in annular channels

Abstract

This study investigates the characteristics of stable and unstable cells and wavefronts of detonation waves propagating in annular channels with different inner radii and channel widths using two-dimensional Euler equations along with a two-step induction-exothermic reaction kinetics. The results reveal that the effect of annular channels on the detonation cell structure depends on both the inner radius and channel width. To quantify this effect, a parameter σ is introduced, representing the ratio of the inner and outer radii of the channel. We have discovered that for values of the parameter σ exceeding a critical value σs, the detonation wavefront demonstrates characteristics similar to those observed in a straight channel scenario. On the contrary, when σ is below σs, the wavefront becomes distorted, potentially leading to Mach reflection as σ decreases further to another critical value σm. Additionally, the interaction among expansion waves induced by the inner walls leads to an augmented induced length and the potential occurrence of localized decoupling of the detonation wave, particularly for unstable detonation waves. However, it is worth noting that the re-initiation of the detonation wave may be triggered by the formation of hotspots resulting from the interaction between transverse shock waves and the detonation wave. This study aims to characterize the propagation characteristics of detonation waves within annular channels, with the objective of providing valuable insights for the design and optimization of annular chamber configurations in systems involving detonation.