Mechanism of low-speed detonation wave propagation in gas-drop mixtures

Results are offered from an experimental study of propagation of a low-speed detonation wave through a chain of liquid hydrocarbon drops in a pure oxygen atmosphere. Detonation was initiated by a planar shock wave at Mach numbers $\mathrm{M}=2.0-3.5$. The detonation wave structure is reflected by the $x$, $t$-diagrams obtained. The propagation of the flame front was found to be pulsating in character, and reasons were established for this phenomenon. It is shown that the microspray in the drop wake does not self-ignite, but is ignited by combustion products from the preceding drop.