On the propagation velocity of a detonation-shock combined wave

A quasi-one-dimensional analysis and a generalized Chapman-Jouguet condition are developed for a gaseous free detonation in an inert environment. Two characteristic features derived from the results are that there exists a lower limit on the heat of combustion, the charge diameter, and the molecular weight of the ambient gas and that there are two propagation velocities for a parameter combination above a certain critical value. Therefore the detonation failure of a free gas column is a hydrodynamic rather than a chemical phenomenon.