Influence of flow parameters on single shock-wave-focusing detonation and initial verification

As an advanced method for initiating detonation, shock-wave focusing (SWF) can do so directly without a separate igniter, and the distance of focusing initiation is much smaller than that of the deflagration-to-detonation transition, thereby greatly improving the performance of detonation engines. In this paper, the process of SWF detonation initiation with decane as the fuel is simulated, and it is found that the energy in the focusing region is high enough to initiate detonation directly. The total temperature and pressure of the incident flow are changed to study how the inlet parameters influence SWF. It is found that the total pressure of the incoming flow affects the SWF considerably whereas the influence of the total temperature can be ignored. The experimental results show that a kerosene–air detonation can be initiated successfully by SWF, thereby verifying the feasibility of SWF detonation with no pre-combustion chamber or igniter. The simulation and experimental results show that SWF detonation initiation has considerable advantages and potential.