The design, construction and test of an apparatus for the measurement of flame and detonation velocities in gaseous mixtures

Abstract

The velocities which are associated with the phenomenon of flame propagation can be studied by diverse experimental techniques. From the information gained through an extensive survey of literature a versatile apparatus which enables the measurement of uniform name and detonation velocities has been constructed. This was achieved by constructing a name tube made up of three sections of 1 ½” extra-heavy piping. Velocity measurements were made by sensing the name front at two locations along the axis or the flame tube through the use of ionization probes operated in conjunction with two amplification circuits. An oscilloscope and an electronic counter, operated in parallel with the amplifiers, provided the measurement of the time of flame travel.

A series of tests were run in order to justify the capability of the apparatus to measure uniform name and detonation velocities. Stoichiometric mixtures of acetylene and air were used throughout the investigation. Uniform name velocities were determined to be between 339 and 469 cm/sec. Detonation velocities were observed to be around 1800 m/sec.