The dispersion and ignition behavior of zirconium particles under the effect of a shock wave

Abstract

Experiments of the interaction process between shock waves and zirconium particles have been carried out using a self-designed shock tube. The interaction process was recorded using a high-speed shadowgraph imaging system, pressure testing system, and infrared thermal imager. The wave-systems structures resulting from the interaction between shock waves and accumulated zirconium powders have been characterized. Generally, the axial distance of the powder cloud reduces with the increase in accumulation thickness, which in turn increases with the addition of shock Mach number. The incident shock wave with an intensity of 1.53 Ma was enough to ignite zirconium powders under these experimental conditions. The ignition delay time for zirconium powders decreases with the addition of shock Mach number, while it decreases for thinner accumulations. Besides, the flame propagation characteristics and the ignition mechanism of zirconium powders are discussed in detail. The results can serve as a supplementary guide for the utilization and safe operation of zirconium powders.