The influence of transverse concentration gradients on detonation propagation in (Formula presented.) –air mixtures is investigated experimentally in a wide parameter range. Detonation fronts are characterized by means of high-speed shadowgraphy, OH* imaging, pressure measurements, and soot foils. Steep concentration gradients at low average (Formula presented.) concentrations lead to single-headed detonations. A maximum velocity deficit compared to the Chapman–Jouguet velocity of 9  is observed. Significant amounts of mixture seem to be consumed by turbulent deflagration behind the leading detonation. Wall pressure measurements show high local pressure peaks due to strong transverse waves caused by the concentration gradients. Higher average (Formula presented.) concentrations or weaker gradients allow for multi-headed detonation propagation. © 2015, Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg.     «

The influence of transverse concentration gradients on detonation propagation in (Formula presented.) –air mixtures is investigated experimentally in a wide parameter range. Detonation fronts are characterized by means of high-speed shadowgraphy, OH* imaging, pressure measurements, and soot foils. Steep concentration gradients at low average (Formula presented.) concentrations lead to single-headed detonations. A maximum velocity deficit compared to the Chapman–Jouguet velocity of 9  is observed...     »