Shock Initiation of Explosives with a Sensitive Rate and Related Topics: Final Report

摘要

The aim of the research has been to provide a complete, rational, theoretical description of the process of detonation initiation, either by a shock or due to the growth of embedded ''hot spots'' (reaction centers) in a preconditioned explosive which has a sensitive, state-dependent reaction rate. A representative experiment that these studies model is that of piston driven shock initiation. In order to study the process in detail, a systematic asymptotic analysis of the reactive Euler equations with Arrhenius reaction-rate kinetics has been carried out. Through a combination of large activation energy asymptotics and numerics on sets of reduced equations, these studies have given a precise description of the distinct stages of the initiation event prior to the emergence of a full-fledged detonation: induction, localized thermal runaway, thermal explosion at the runaway site, and the birth of a supersonic reaction wave (a constant-volume detonation) propagating through an inertially confined medium. 2 figs. (ERA citation 13:041126)