This research will focus on the understanding of fundamental detonation phenomena. Most conventional explosive models are typically described as composite models, which means they treat a complex reacting flow system with 100 to1000’s of chemical reactions and intermediate material states as having only two. Those two states are joined by a reaction rate rule that governs how energy is liberated by moving between those states. We are conducting research to determine how to resolve such reaction pathways by going from 2 to n-number of states that allow for more useful predictive capabilities. Small scale experiment is being invented or matured to facilitate the measurement of needed material characteristics such as equations-of-state for the unreacted, partially, and fully reacted energetic materials. Typical measurement techniques include dual streak cameras, Photon Doppler Velocimetry, and high-speed imaging that can be resolved to the nanosecond or subnanosecond timescale. The work will also include assessment of conventional hydrocode based reactive flow models to determine their physical relevance to problem sets of interest. The Associate will be able to design and participate in the execution of complex optical experiments, become familiar with conventional reactive flow models, design experiments with modelers, and report work in refereed journals or conferences that are open to the general community or limited based on work content.

 

References

Dudley EC, Damm D, Welle EJ: Proceedings of the 14th Detonation Symposium, Coeur d’Alene Resort, Idaho: 2010, 622

Welle EJ, et al: Proceedings of the 13th Detonation Symposium, Norfolk, Virginia: 2006, 342

 

Keywords:

Detonation; Explosive; Optical diagnostics; Equation of state; Photon Doppler Velocimetry; Shock to detonation; Thin pulse initiation; Explosive microstructure; Laser interferometry;

Citizenship:  Open to U.S. citizens

Level:  Open to Postdoctoral and Senior applicants