Role of Semenov’s Theory of Chain Reactions in the Formation of Modern Concepts on the Processes of Combustion, Explosion, and Detonation of Gases

This paper presents the results of the theoretical and experimental studies of ignition, flame propagation, explosion, and detonation of gases, showing that, contrary to previous concepts, chain mechanisms in combustion reactions play a decisive role not only at pressures tens of times lower than atmospheric pressure in the absence of self-heating but also at higher pressures and any temperature conditions. Examples of the chemical control of all these processes are given. At the same time, the results show the outstanding role of N.N. Semenov’s theory of chain reactions in the development of the theory of the rates of chemical reactions and combustion processes.