A Theory of Adiabatic, Homogeneous Explosion from Initiation to Completion

Abstract

The complete reaction history of a spatially homogeneous, adiabatic system composed of a combustible mixture of fuel and oxidizer is described for the case of large activation energy. The time history of the temperature rise and fuel consumption is calculated for the ignition period, the rapid reaction (explosion) phase and for the approach to the final equilibrium state. A detailed estimate of the explosion time scale is found. The limitations of classical ignition theory are discussed.