Formation of detonation wave upon condensation of supersaturated carbon vapor

The results are given of observation of a fundamentally novel phenomenon, namely, the formation of detonation wave of condensation. Experiments are performed behind shock waves in mixture containing 10–30% carbon suboxide C₃O₂ in argon. The release of the energy of condensation of highly supersaturated carbon vapor formed upon instantaneous thermal decomposition of carbon suboxide C₃O₂ → C + 2CO behind the wave front leads to the amplification of shock wave and its transition to the detonation mode.