Analysis of shock wave acceleration from normal detonation reflection

Normal detonation reflection generates a shock wave that exhibits complicated dynamics as it propagates through the incident detonation and post-detonation flow. Ideal models have historically neglected the influence of a finite detonation thickness on the reflected shock due to its small size relative to laboratory scales. However, one-dimensional numerical simulations show that the reflected shock accelerates to a large shock speed not predicted by ideal theory as it propagates through the incident detonation. Analysis with a derived shock-change equation identifies the principal role of the highly nonuniform upstream flow on producing the large shock acceleration. Simulations of detonation reflection show how a finite detonation thickness affects the entire trajectory of the reflected shock.

Automated summary

Normal detonation reflection generates a shock wave that exhibits complicated dynamics. The influence of a finite detonation thickness on the reflected shock has been historically neglected, but simulations show that the reflected shock accelerates to a large speed not predicted by theory. Analysis with a shock-change equation identifies the nonuniform upstream flow as the principal factor for the large shock acceleration. Simulations of detonation reflection demonstrate the impact of finite detonation thickness on the trajectory of the reflected shock.