Critical diameter and transverse waves of powder combustion

A critical review is given of the problem of powder extinction with a decrease in the sample diameter due to heat release. The results of our experimental studies of the critical combustion diameter are presented. A comparison of the experimental data on the critical diameter as a function of burning rate is shown to be the most informative. These functions follow a power law with an exponent of −1.15 to −1.17. The relations between the sizes of the cells (hot spots) formed by the set of transverse waves on the burning surface and the burning rate follow the same law. The sizes of the cells are 2.1–2.3 times smaller than the critical combustion diameter. It is also found that the transverse wave decays if its curvature exceeds a critical value.