Deflagration to detonation transition in aluminum dust–air mixture under weak ignition condition

Deflagration to detonation transition (DDT) in flake aluminum dust–air mixture was studied in a 199 mm inner diameter and 29.6 m long horizontal tube. 40 sets of dust dispersion system were used to disperse flake aluminum into the experimental tube. An electric spark of 40 J was used to ignite the aluminum–air mixture. Self-sustained detonation was observed and the characteristics of deflagration to detonation transition process were studied. Contributed to the transverse wave and cellular structure of detonation wave front in aluminum–air mixture, the propagation velocity of detonation wave ranges from 1480 m/s to 1820 m/s and the maximum overpressure oscillates between 40 and 102 bar. Single head spinning detonation wave in aluminum dust–air mixture was observed and the cell size was evaluated.