Evolution of the cellular structure of detonation waves under the condition of non-uniform initiation

Abstract

At present, detonation principles are widely used for propulsion purposes. Stable initiation of detonation and its sustainable propagation are the key factors for safe operation of detonation chambers. In this paper, the evolution of the cellular structure of detonation waves under the condition of non-uniform initiation is investigated within the frames of two-dimensional simulations in a stoichiometric mixture of hydrogen with air. The dependence on cellular structure on the heterogeneity of initiation sources, chemical kinetic mechanism is studied. The simulation results are compared with experimental data. It is demonstrated, that in case of detonation decay after switching off initiators the flow structure essentially depends on heterogeneity of initiator, while in achieving the self-sustaining propagation mode the wave structure becomes independent on initiation conditions and “forgets” initial heterogeneity.