Deflagration-to-detonation transition in spiral channels

Abstract

The deflagration-to-detonation transition in hydrogen–air mixtures that fill spiral channels has been studied. A spiral channel has been produced in a cylindrical detonation tube with a twisted ribbon inside. The gas mixture has been ignited by means of a spark gap switch. The predetonation distance versus the twisted ribbon configuration and molar ratio between the gas mixture components has been determined. A pulling force exerted by the detonation tube after a single event of hydrogen–air mixture burnout has been found for four configurations of the twisted ribbon. Conditions under which the use of a spiral tube can be more effective (increase the pulling force) have been formulated.