Rao, Sushma2010-11-012011-08-242010-11-012011-08-242010-11-01January 20http://hdl.handle.net/10106/5133Detonation theory proposes Chapman-Jouguet state of equilibrium due to the sonic speed of the products relative to the wave. Experimental observations however indicated the existence of a sub-Chapman-Jouguet state. The dissertation proposes that friction plays a role in defining such a sub-optimal state in detonation wave propagation in ducts. The problem is addressed analytically by decoupling the friction losses from the chemical reactions. The non-equilibrium conditions associated with detonation is modeled by detailed chemistry.enM.Engr.