Gaseous Detonations. VI. The Rarefaction Wave

Abstract

The density profile of the rarefaction wave which follows a detonation has been determined using the technique of x‐ray absorption measurements to follow rapid gas density changes. The observed density‐time dependence was found to agree, within experimental errors, with the predictions of the hydrodynamic theory developed by Taylor, Doering, and others. As the theory predicts, the density in the rarefaction wave decreases for approximately one‐half of the distance traveled by the detonation wave; behind this is the region of quiescent gas at constant density.