Published online by Cambridge University Press: 28 March 2006
Expressions are derived for a three-dimensional polar in the pressure ratio, deflexion angle space to represent conditions downstream of a detonation wave with given upstream conditions. An analysis of reflected waves is undertaken and the representation of three wave confluences in a three-dimensional hodograph space studied. These techniques are applied to experimental results available for spin detonation in gaseous mixtures of acetylene-oxygen-argon and carbon monoxide-oxygen. Assumptions made in earlier papers concerning local extinction of combustion at the confluence point are not necessary in this picture.