Initiation characteristics of oblique detonation waves from a finite wedge under argon dilution

In this paper, the flow field characteristics of Oblique Detonation Waves (ODWs) induced by a finite wedge under argon dilution are studied by solving the Euler equations with a detailed chemical model of hydrogen and air. First, the effects of the expansion waves, argon concentration, geometric parameters, and Mach number on the ODW are discussed. The results show that the changes of these parameters may make the oblique detonation not be initiated. Then, the ODW initiation criterion of the finite wedge is summarized, as the characteristic length of the induction zone L_C and the characteristic length of the oblique wedge L_W meet the condition L_C/L_W < 1, the initiation of the ODW occurs; otherwise, it does not occur. What’s more, the Constant Volume Combustion (CVC) theory is applied to study the characteristic length of induction zone. It is found that CVC theory is more suitable for the “smooth transition” type of ODW flow field, the theoretical and numerical characteristic length in induction regions are in good agreement. This work is of great significance for the design of oblique detonation engines for hypersonic vehicles.