Numerical investigation on the initiation of oblique detonation waves in stoichiometric methane–air mixtures

Abstract

The study investigates the oblique detonation characteristics in a stoichiometric methane–air mixture employing reactive Euler equations coupled with a detailed chemical reaction model. The analysis evaluates the initiation variation for both the inflow Mach number and the wedge angle. The results show that an increase in the Mach number from M0 = 9 to M0 = 12 changes the oblique shock-to-detonation transition from an abrupt to a smooth type. Furthermore, the distinction between high and low Mach numbers is explored through a comparison of the induction length along the wave surface. Additionally, the transition is affected by changes in wedge angle elevation under high Mach numbers, while a large wedge angle generates a second detonation wave surface due to a strong reflection shock downstream under low Mach numbers. Finally, the initiation length is quantitatively compared across varying inflow Mach numbers and wedge angles, which can benefit future investigations of a methane-fueled oblique detonation engine.