Introduction to "To the Question of Energy Use of Detonation Combustion" by Ya. B. Zel'dovich

Abstract

Ya. B. Zel'dovich (1914–1987) made numerous contributions [1] to the theory of detonation, beginning with his very well known and widely translated article [2] on detonation structure that first introduced the standard Zel'dovich-von Neumann-Döring (ZND) model of shock-induced combustion. Even at that early stage of detonation research, Zel'dovich was also considering the application of detonations to propulsion and power engineering. He published these ideas in another paper [3] that has been virtually unknown in the West and has apparently remained untranslated until now. We are indebted to Sergey Frolov of the N.N. Semenov Institute of Chemical Physics for first bringing this article to our attention. We believe that the focus of this paper, which is the application of detonation waves to power generation and propulsion, is very relevant to the current activity on pulse detonation engines. In particular, Zel'dovich was apparently the first researcher to consider the questions of the relative efficiency of various combustion modes, the role of entropy production in jet propulsion, and the distinction between unsteady and steady modes of detonation in power engineering and propulsion applications. Even 60 years later, we believe that his results are relevant and can be of value in modern discussions on thermodynamic cycle analysis of detonation waves for propulsion [4]. For these reasons, we have arranged for the paper to be translated and suggested that it be published by the Journal of Propulsion and Power.

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