Mechanistic insights into the initial explosion in the deflagration-to-detonation transition

This work presents an imaging study of the complex and often overlooked early-onset mechanisms deflagration-to-detonation transition (DDT). Columns granular octahydro-1,3,5,7-tetranitro-1,3,5,7-tetrazocine (HMX) doped with tungsten tracer particles are ignited thermally by hot wire resulting reactions studied via high-speed X-ray radiography utilizing Diamond Light Source synchrotron. The observed results provide insights into initial development DDT process, in a proposed mechanism for slow steps ignited, low bulk-density explosive contained quasi-one dimensional tube configuration. In order to clarify mechanism, terms preferential flow channel matrix burning adapted from soil mechanics hydrology literature further elucidate role convective DDT. helps ongoing debate on transport gases Baer–Nunziato reduced models suggests that applicability each interpretation depends which step is being described.