Hydrogen Oxidation Kinetics in Gaseous Detonations

Abstract

A theoretical model including a detailed chemical kinetic reaction mechanism for hydrogen oxidation is used to examine detonation properties for mixtures of hydrogen/air, hydrogen/oxygen, and hydrogen/oxygen diluted with varying amounts of nitrogen. Computed induction lengths are compared with available experimental data for critical energy and critical tube diameter for initiation of spherical detonation, as well as detonation limits in planar and spherical configurations. The ratio of transverse wave spacing to induction length is also computed and contrasted with quantities determined previously for hydrocarbon fuels.