The development of detonation of an explosive gas mixture contained in a constant-cross-section duct is analyzed on the basis of a unidimensional, gasdynamic treatment of a double-discontinuity combustion system. A steady and an unsteady system are considered, and it is shown that the latter yields an adequate explanation of the effect of coalition of the two discontinuities on the establishment and subsequent stability of the detonation wave. The locus of states behind the detonating combustion zone during the development of the process is determined and analyzed.