Nonlinear wave-kinetic interactions in irreversibly reacting media

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Abstract
Nonlinear wave-kinetic interactions are analysed by examining the propagation of finite-amplitude waves in a gaseous medium undergoing non-equilibrium exothermic reaction. An exact nonlinear wave equation is developed, and the various coupling mechanisms are identified.An approximate equation, which takes into account the chemical and transport effects, is derived for high-frequency weak nonlinear waves. The equation is numerically integrated to predict the amplification rates of weak shock pulses and changes in their wave forms under different reaction conditions.Dramatic nonlinear amplification is predicted for mixtures of high activation energies. Furthermore, the amplification rates are enhanced with increased shock strength and pulse duration. In the latter instance, a threshold value is identified, above which wave amplification is a maximum.