Numerical Simulation of Gaseous Detonation Propagation in a Multi-Tube Device

Two-dimensional, time-dependent, reactive Navier Stokes equations involving the effects of viscosity, thermal conduction, molecular diffusion and turbulence etc. were solved to obtain a deep insight into gaseous detonation characteristics in a multi-tube device. Computation was performed for hydrogen-oxygen-argon mixtures at low initial pressure (8.00 kPa), using detailed chemical reaction model as well as standard k-epsilon turbulence model. Results indicate that, in a multi-tube device, detonation wave is strongly disturbed by wall geometry and undergoes a successive process of detonation decaying, separation of reaction zone from leading shock, detonation diffraction and the transition from normal reflection to Mach reflection etc. Multi-tube device has only a local effect on detonation propagation; the disturbed detonation wave can still be recuperated to a self-sustaining one. High H(2) concentration distribution behind the leading shock can provide some information about reaction zone scale and the separation degree of reaction zone from leading shock. Additionally, double Mach reflection and transverse detonation emerge close to the top and bottom walls.