Detonation: Theory and Experiment [Unabridged] (Paperback)

~ Wildon Fickett (Author), William C. Davis (Author)
Key Phrases: eigenvalue detonation, sonic locus, rear boundary condition (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

Comprehensive review of detonation explores the "simple theory" and experimental tests of the theory; flow in a reactive medium; steady detonation; the nonsteady solution; and the structure of the detonation front. Many simple cases are worked out for illustration.

Product Details

• Paperback: 400 pages
• Publisher: Dover Publications; Unabridged edition (March 2, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0486414566
• ISBN-13: 978-0486414560
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.4 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,123,499 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An introduction to the hydrodynamics of explosions, March 27, 2007

By	Utah Blaine (Somewhere on Trexalon in District 268) - See all my reviews

This book presents an introductory overview, both theoretical and observational, of the hydrodynamics of detonation. A working knowledge of the physics of compressible/supersonic flows is assumed by the authors and is necessary before approaching the material in this book. As the back cover states, detonation is the form of combustion `in which energy transfer is by mass flow in strong compression waves'. The authors start by deriving simple equations for shocks and then extending to formalism to include the release of chemical energy and changes in adiabatic index behind the shock (the so-called Zeldovich - von Neumann - Doering model). Even in simple cases this can become a virtually intractable problem. The authors make every attempt to compare theory with experiments, and point out when (and sometimes why) they diverge. More advanced topics discussed at length in the book include non-steady solutions and micro-structure behind the shock. This is an advanced/specialized book geared toward taking an advanced student (physicist/chemist/engineer) who already has a working knowledge of compressible flows to doing research in detonation. There is a heavy emphasis on practical interpretation in this book, the authors don't get bogged down with too much analytic analysis that often obsfuscates basic ideas. There are also lots of good black and white pictures to illustrate important points.