Spectral and Pressure Observations of Explosion Phenomena*

Abstract

A Perkin-Elmer Model 83 Monochromator covering a spectral range from the ultraviolet to 5.5µ is used for determining the light intensity as a function of time of an explosion in a bomb. [Bullock, Hornbeck, and Silverman, J. Chem. Phys. 18, 1114 (1950)]. The radiation entering the spectrometer is chopped to allow ac amplification of the detector output with provision to allow transmission as well as emission measurements. A frequency modulated pressure gauge is used to determine the pressure change in the bomb. Time resolution of the order of magnitude of 10-3 sec may be obtained for both spectral and pressure observations. Results for typical carbon monoxide-oxygen explosions are shown. These preliminary results seem to indicate that there is equilibrium for approximately 0.02 sec after the flame front reaches the vessel wall.