Experimental and numerical investigation of the propagation of a shock-flame complex around a cylinder

The formation of hot zones resulting from the interaction of several reflected shock waves and turbulent mixing in the wake of the obstacle were found to be responsible for flame acceleration. Local explosions leading to the formation of detonation was observed at low pressure after a first flame acceleration process at shock intersection on the walls and downstream of the obstacle. At higher pressure, the reflection of the incident shock on the obstacle is sufficient to initiate a detonation.