Deflagration-to-detonation transition in isopropyl nitrate mist/air mixtures

The characteristics and stages of the deflagration-to-detonation transition (DDT) in isopropyl nitrate (IPN) mist/air mixtures are studied and analyzed. A self-sustained detonation wave forms, as is observed from the existence of a transverse wave and a spinning wave structure. The run-up distance of the DDT process and the pitch size of the self-sustained spinning detonation wave in IPN/air mixtures are analyzed. Moreover, a retonation wave forms during the DDT process. Two propagation modes, the high-speed deflagration mode and the self-sustained detonation mode, of the shock-reaction complex (SRC) in IPN mist/air mixtures are found and analyzed. The influence of the mist concentration on the SRC propagation mechanism is studied. The minimum and the optimum IPN mist concentrations for DDT occurrence in IPN mist/air mixtures are determined. The propagation velocity and overpressure of the self-sustained detonation wave in IPN mist/air mixtures are measured and calculated.