Experimental and Theoretical Modeling of Fuel-Air Detonations: The Distributed Blast Concept

The authors present an analysis of results obtained in developing experimental techniques, defining critical explosive parameters and evolving a theoretical model for heterogeneous detonation. The dispersions may be of the fuel-air type, or of the monopropellant type, where no external oxygen is required. Alternatively, the explosive may exist as a film on a surface. Most studies have centered on the detonation of clouds of liquid fuel drops in air. Experimental and theoretical studies have been performed to determine the interrelationships between chemical and physical factors in the ignition of liquid fuel drops by shock waves. A theoretical model has been developed to describe the complex process by which large liquid drops are fragmented. Theoretical comparisons are presented of the pressure and impulses generated by fuel-air clouds of different geometries and those from high explosives of equivalent weight and energy. In addition other types of heterogeneous detonation are considered. They include the use of solid fuel and film detonations.