Detonation and High Speed Combustion
A 10 nm liquid droplet of n-dodecane is impacted by a Mach 5 shock of nitrogen gas. Simple interactions such as these can help us better understand processes of energy deposition in multiphase detonation.
Detonation experiments and simulations allow us to understand vital detonation physics and to analyze complex phenomena, in order to utilize detonation for propulsion and power generation. Experiments in our lab's detonation facility have illustrated the repeating structures formed by the interaction of pressure shocks and chemical heat release. The analysis of those detonation cells and their dependency on fuel additives, as well as the comparison with CFD simulations help us uncover the underlying mechanism governing detonation propagation.
In addition, we use molecular dynamics simulations to investigate the interaction of shocks with fuel nanodroplets. We aim to understand the mechanism of droplet breakup, in order to develop models that will be used in complex detonation simulations that will enable the design of detonation devices for propulsion and power generation.