AB!iTRACT Flow patterns similar to regular ~nd Mach reflection resulting from the interaction of detonation waves in eondensed explosives have been observed with rotating mirror cameras and flash radiography. The principal emphasis of the study has been with the oblique collision of plane detonation waves. In this configuration the assumptions of steady flow, infinitesimal reaction zone thicknesses, the Chapman-Jouguet hypothesis and simple reaction-product equations of state permit an analytic

more »

... solution for the detonation parameters for regular reflection and the computation of the critical angle for the onset of Mach reflection. These critical angles have been measured for Composition B, 9~0~-03 PBX, Baratol, and nitromethane. Additional data obtained on Composition n include a measurement of Mach stem pressure and stem shape. In inhomogeneous explosives Mach stems and reflected shocks have displayed substantial curvatures and flash x-ray studies have revealed anomalous density regions in the ~ymmetry planes in both regular and Mach reflection experiments. These observations, along with deviations in computed and measured critical angle values, have indicated a degree of failure of the simplified theory to provide an exact, detailed description of the interaction phenomena, this failure is currently believed to result primarily from the nonuniform structure of the detonation wave. .------L EG AL NO TIC E------, TbJs report -~~ prepared as an acc OWit of Governme nt apooeored work. Neither the UllJted States, nor the Comm.Jaa lon, nor any peraoo acting on bebalf of the Commtaal on: A. Mllkt!a An)' woxra.nty nr ~oreaenla tlon, expreued or lmpUed, with r espect to the accuracy, comp\eten eea, or usefulness of the tnforrn.aUo n cOQl»Jued in thta rflf"'l't, or that the lUIS of any lnformaUo n, apparatus , method, or proceaa d1acloaed 1n this report may not Infringe privately owned rlghta; or B. Aaaumea any Uabll!Uea with respect to the uae of, or for damages reeulUng from the uae of any lnfo rmaUon, apparatua , method, or procua dJeclo.ed in thJs reporL Aa uaed In the above, "person act1n1 oz:r, behalf of the Comm.Jee lon" includes any employee or conlractor of the CommJsal on, or employee of aucb contracto r, to the extent that such employee or contracto r of the Commlul on, or e mployee of such contracto r prepares, dtasemlna t.ea, o r provldee acceee to, any lnformaUo n purewmt to hi• employme nt or contract with the Comm.lul on, or hie employme nt with •uch contracto r.