AE755A  -  Explosion and Detonation Physics

Course Contents: Introduction, Deflagrations and Detonations, Discovery of the Detonation Phenomenon, Outstanding Problems, Gas Dynamic Theory of Detonations and Deflagrations, Basic Equations, Rayleigh Line and Hugoniot Curve, The Tangency (Chapman-Jouguet) Solutions, Rankine-Hugoniot Relations, Laminar Structure of Detonations, The ZND Structure of an Ideal Gas, Pathological Detonations, Non-ideal Detonations, Experimental Measurement Techniques, Unstable Detonations, The Spinning Detonation Phenomenon, The Manson-Taylor-Fay-Chu Acoustic Theory of Spinning Detonations, Structure of the Spinning Detonations, Multiheaded Detonations, Cellular Structure in Other Geometries, Cell Size and Chemistry, Effect of Chemistry on Stability, Direct Numerical Simulation of Unstable Detonations, Influence of Boundary Conditions, Velocity Deficits, Detonations in Rough-walled Tubes, Acoustically Absorbing Walls, Detonation Limits, Interaction of Detonation Waves with a Solid Surface, Deflagration-to-Detonation Transition (DDT), Salient Features of the Transition Phenomenon, Flame Acceleration Mechanisms, The Criterion for Transition from Deflagration to Detonation, Direct Initiation of Detonations, Blast Initiation, The Critical Tube Diameter, Theory of Blast Initiation, Applications, Detonation-based Engines, Explosions, Catastrophic Accidents, Detonation and Explosion Scenarios - Safety Regulations, Review of the Intense Vapor Cloud Explosions, Creation of Stars - Supernova Explosions.

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This course is devoted to a description of the detonation phenomenon, explaining the physical and chemical processes responsible for the self-sustained propagation of the detonation wave. The course will also cover the basic concepts related to the hydrodynamic theory that permits the detonation state to be determined. Additional topics on the influence of boundary conditions on the propagation of a detonation wave, the initiation of a detonation wave in an explosive, to detonation-based futuristic engines will also be covered. Lastly, the course will also deal with the physics of explosions where the focus will be on lessons learned from catastrophic accidents to the creation of the universe.

The proposed course will be the first course in the field of detonations and explosions to be offered at IIT-K and will provide vital insights into the likelihood and reality of detonations and explosions involving flammable gas leaks. As such, it will serve as the foundation for improving risk management in the oil and gas industry and will create a framework on which to base worker safety regulations. The course also applies to astrophysical explosions, but it has a fundamental relevance to something very practical: safety and regulation. The proposed course will also cover the necessary material related to controlled use of detonations for futuristic propulsion systems.

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