Qualitative Theory of Nonideal Explosions

Abstract

Consideration is given to dynamics of a shock wave followed by a deflagration wave in nonspherical but open configurations. Three principles, overall mass conservation, momentum conservation across the shock, and engulfment of matter by the flame, are applied to obtain simplified descriptions for the structure and dynamics of the wave system. It is shown that the nonideal explosion seeks a similarity condition of constant wave speed. A main conclusion is that in the presence of an inert bounding gas, there exists a maximum shock strength which depends on the efficiency of the wave pattern in the noncombustible. It is inferred that relief to the inert limits intensities of nonideal explosions.