Numerical investigation on movement of triple points on oblique detonation surfaces

Abstract

A normal detonation wave in a gaseous mixture is a transient, multidimensional structure containing triple points (TPs) that collide in pairs and then propagate oppositely. However, the TPs on an oblique detonation wave (ODW) almost propagate along the same direction in most studies. In this study, the reactive Euler equations coupled with a two-step induction–reaction kinetic model are used to solve a two-dimensional wedge-induced ODW. Two novel movement patterns are observed in most cases. Results show that the TPs of the ODW can propagate upstream and even stand on the wave surface. The movement patterns of TPs include downstream, upstream, and steady according to their propagation direction relative to the wedge. We find that the ratio of the post-ODW flow speed Uτ to the transverse wave speed UT dominates the TP movement types. When the speed ratio Uτ/ UT is approximately equal to 1, the TPs can stand on the wave surface. Above unity, downstream TPs form, and upstream TPs correspond to a value smaller than 1. Furthermore, the inflow Mach number has little influence on UT, while Uτ changes significantly. This is largely due to the high sensitivity of the ODW angle to the inflow. The high heat release rate benefits upstream TPs, and steady TPs form under a large wedge angle. The results are confirmed by varying the inflow Mach number, wedge angle, and chemical parameters.