Transition from Deflagration to Detonation in Layered Dust Explosions

Dust layers on the bottom of mine tunnels, on factory floors, or on the floors of grain elevator passages are the most frequent cause of highly destructive dust explosions. Typically, such layered dust explosions involve a high velocity, accelerating, turbulent flame which is fed by the dust layer and results in high destructive static and dynamic pressures. In some cases transition to detonation has been observed, and such explosions are the most destructive. Scientific studies of such layered dust explosions, conducted at the University of Michigan, are discussed. 18 refs., 9 figs., 2 tabs.