Abstract

There is a growing need for a fundamental understanding of how detonations are formed and sustained as propulsion technology advances toward the use of detonation-based engines. The deflagration-to-detonation transition (DDT) phenomenon is studied to better understand both the fundamentals of detonation physics and the conditions surrounding how detonations are formed and sustained. This research aims to study the effects of a wedge on DDT and detonation formation. A hydrogen-air mixture is pumped into a chamber and ignited by a spark plug. Turbulence-driven flame acceleration is induced by turbulators in the chamber through which the flame propagates. The flame then flows over and interacts with a wedge in a test section, which has quartz windows for viewing. Schlieren and chemiluminescence imaging are used to collect data from the test section. The contact of the wedge with the reacting flow creates reflected shocks that interact with and accelerate the flame front. It is also shown that DDT is repeatedly induced across from the wedge.

Thesis Completion

2022

Semester

Spring

Thesis Chair/Advisor

Ahmed, Kareem

Degree

Bachelor Science in Aerospace Engineering (B.S.A.E.)

College

College of Engineering and Computer Science

Department

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

Degree Program

Aerospace Engineering

Language

English

Access Status

Open Access

Release Date

5-1-2022

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