Classical Theory of Detonation

Abstract
In a first part is presented the model of the Ideal Detonation. Emphasis is placed on the physical assumptions made in the setting and resolution of the continuum mechanics equations to be used. The basic elements of computations of ideal detonation parameters will be described. The experiments performed to check the predictions, and their results, will be reported. Some discussion of explosives in which chemical equilibrium is not reached, due to slow diffusive mixing of the reactants or to conditions where some of the reactions are very slow, will also be given. These explosives are often called non-ideal explosives. Obviously, when the reaction zone is not very thin relative to system dimensions, or when it is not very short relative to system times, the Ideal Detonation model, restricted to plane, steady flow, is inadequate. The third part of the paper is concerned with curved detonation fronts, and with time dependent processes. The steady detonation of small-diameter cylindrical cartridges will be discussed as one example, and the initiation of detonation in the shock-to-detonation transition as another. Detonation theory is not a closed subject, and much effort is currently being spent to extend classical theory. Some of the newer ideas will be introduced in a concluding part.