VIII. Conclusions

The use of a detonation driver for generating high-enthalpy flows has recently seen rapid development. This chapter has shown that the technique is versatile in providing a wide range of test conditions for aerodynamic and gasdynamic investigations. At present, detonation drivers appear to be of lower capability than free-piston drivers. However, multi-step drivers and other hybrids, including those in combination with an expansion tube, are expected to extend the operational performance. In addition, recent work in improving the performance, particularly in increasing the test time, of the forward-propagation mode appears promising.