Explosions with Chain Branching: Induction Period Analysis

Abstract A spatially homogeneous explosion with chain branching is studied using the method of activation energy asymptotics. The model consists of a chain branching reaction which is followed by a chain termination reaction. Both these reactions are considered exothermic, in general, with the former having a large and the latter an O(l) amount of activation energy. We examine the complete range of values of A, the reaction rate ratio of these two reactions. The object is to calculate the induction period of such branched chain explosions. Wherever appropriate, two types of situations are considered: the chain carrier at the beginning of the branching reaction is present in (i) small (ii) moderate amounts. It is found that the results may differ substantially depending on the range of values of A and the conditions (i) and (ii).