Research theme

 Detonation is a strong explosion phenomenon in a combustible premixed gas, and it propagates with the shock waves at hypersonic speed. This phenomenon has been studied from the safety engineering point of view such as for explosive accidents in gas plants and nuclear power plants. The detonation occurs with hydrogen, methane (natural gas), ethylene, acetylene, most combustible gases including propane. These combustible gases are related to our life closely. Detonation propagating limit and DDT (Deflagration to Detonation Transition) are important fundamental researches and practical problems. Deflagration-to-detonation transition is the general process by which a subsonic combustion (deflagration or flame) becomes a supersonic combustion wave (detonation). We try to understand these phenomena and to investigate the wave structure via experimental and numerical works. As applications of the high energy of detonations, detonation engines have recently been developed. The PDE (Pulse Detonation Engine) and the RDE (Rotating Detonation Engine) are some of the jet or rocket propulsion systems that use detonations. We also work on the study of the performance evaluation of the RDE using the 3D numerical simulation.

Flame propagation in tube with obstacles


Shock flame interaction


Experimental study of detonation propagating limit