1996/05/15 by A. M. Khokhlov, Khokhlov, A. M., Elaine S. Oran +5
Engineering · Physics and Astronomy · #Astrophysics (astro-ph) #Chemical Physics (physics.chem-ph) #Combustion and Detonation Processes #Combustion and flame dynamics #Energetic Materials and Combustion #FOS: Physical sciences #astro-ph #chem-ph
paper · pdf · doi:10.48550/arxiv.astro-ph/9605091
21 pages, plain TeX, figures available from the authors, accepted for publication in Combustion and Flame
arxiv created 1996/05/15 · openalex publication_date 1996/05/15 · arxiv updated 2009/12/01 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/28
This paper outlines a theoretical approach for predicting the onset of detonation in unconfined turbulent flames which is relevant both to problems of terrestrial combustion and to thermonuclear burning in Type Ia supernovae. Two basic assumuptions are made: 1) the gradient mechanism is the inherent mechanism that leads to DDT in unconfined conditions, and 2) the sole mechanism for preparing the gradient in induction time is by turbulent mixing and local flame quenching. The criterion for DDT is derived in terms of the one-dimensional detonation wave thickness, the laminar flame speed, and the laminar flame thickness in the reactive gas. This approach gives a lower-bound criterion for DDT for conditions where shock preheating, wall effects, and interactions with obstacles are absent. Regions in parameter space where unconfined DDT can and cannot occur are determined. A subsequent paper will address these issues specifically in the astrophysical context.