Particle simulation of detonation waves in rarefied gases

We study the dynamics of a steady overdriven detonation wave in planar geometry by means of DSMC simulation. The exothermic reaction is modeled as a single step, irreversible, threshold reaction with Arrhenius kinetics. Results show that the nonequilibrium character of the velocity distribution function in the shock front modifies substantially the kinetics of the reaction and the overall profile of the reaction zone.