Structure of a Steady-State Plane Detonation Wave with Finite Reaction Rate

Abstract

An analytical elaboration of von Neumann's model of the detonation wave is presented. A hydrodynamic argument for the well‐known Chapman‐Jouguet condition is advanced, and the sound speed to be used therein is identified as that obtained with frozen chemical equilibrium, in agreement with a recent result of Brinkley and Richardson. Possible situations in which the classical Chapman‐Jouguet hypothesis might be incorrect are very briefly discussed.