On Analysis of Detonation Waves

Abstract

The use of detonation waves provide an alternative for advancing endeavors in space. Instilling the normal detonation wave with aerospace propulsion warrants the need for normal detonation wave analysis. General applications for detonation wave based propulsion are tersely presented, and the qualitative attributes of the normal detonation wave are included. The quantitative relations defining the normal detonation wave are defined, beginning with the Rayleigh line and Hugoniot equation. The resulting equations defining a normal detonation wave are contrasted with the results of the NASA code CET -93 for stoichiometric hydrogen an d oxygen with nitrogen diluent. Also the effects of stoichiometric hydrogen and oxygen with noble gas diluents in normal detonation waves are explored. The results for stoichiometric hydrogen and oxygen with noble gas diluents in normal detonation waves are compared between the derived equations and CET -93. Enclosed is a brief discussion of detonation wave applications along with an analytical method for characterizing normal detonation waves.