Propagation of detonation waves in gas suspensions in channels with a backward-facing step

Abstract

Propagation of heterogeneous detonation in a mixture of oxygen and fine aluminum particles in a plane channel with a backward-facing step is studied numerically. The plane detonation regime is taken as the initial flow in the narrow part of the channel. Possible scenarios of evolution of this flow after its passage to the expanded part of the channel are analyzed. The effect of the particle size and channel geometry on detonation propagation/failure is found. Cellular detonation is formed in the wide part of the channel, with a subsequent change in the cell size in the course of establishment of a steady propagation regime. The cell size in steady regimes is invariant with respect to the flow formation process.