Cryogenic, Multiphase, Hydrogen-Oxygen Detonations

Abstract : Detonations of flowing mixtures of hydrogen and oxygen at temperatures between 90 and 110 K, pressures from 3 to 5 bar, and mixture densities of 3-6 kg/m3 have been studied. The effect of liquid oxygen on wave speeds and peak wall pressures are reported. Data taken at cryogenic conditions are compared with ambient temperature data taken at similar initial densities and equivalence ratios, as well as with equilibrium, Chapman-Jouget theory calculations. For the conditions studied, liquid oxygen was found to result in increased wave speeds and peak wall pressures. These observations are shown to be consistent with a highly stratified mixture with high concentrations of oxygen in a layer adjacent to the wall and low concentrations along the axis of the tube.