On detonation of gaseous mixtures of acetylene and of pentance
If a combustible gas at atmospheric pressure is ignited near one end of a tube and the rate of supply of heat by combustion is greater than the loss by radiation and conduction, the progress of the flame will be rapidly accelerated. Of a sudden, detonation may occur. A detonation wave travels forward at a nearly uniform rate, combustion proceeding simultaneously and a “ retonation ” wave travels back through the burnt gases from the “ position of detonation " The discovery of the detonation wave by Berthelot and the researches of Mallard and Le Chatelier and of Dixon thereon are matters of history. The purpose of the work described in this communication was to find the position at which a burning mixture of gases would develop a detonation wave under certain fixed conditions. The influence on such position of a change of strength of the combustible gas mixture and then of the nature of the diluent gas was studied. The effect of the addition of small quantities of certain “ antiknock ” compounds has also been investigated.