Modeling the Production of Nanoparticles via Detonation—Application to Alumina Production from ANFO Aluminized Emulsions

This paper investigates the production of nanoparticles via detonation. To extract valuable knowledge regarding this route, a phenomenological model of the process is developed and simulated. This framework integrates the mathematical description of the detonation with a model representing the particulate phenomena. The detonation process is simulated using a combination of a thermochemical code to determine the Chapman–Jouguet (C-J) conditions, coupled with an approximate spatially homogeneous model that describes the radial expansion of the detonation matrix. The conditions at the C-J point serve as initial conditions for the detonation dynamic model. The Mie–Grüneisen Equation of State (EoS) is used, with the “cold curve” represented by the Jones–Wilkins–Lee Equation of State. The particulate phenomena, representing the formation of metallic oxide nanoparticles from liquid droplets, are described by a Population Balance Equation (PBE) that accounts for the coalescence and coagulation mechanisms. The variables associated with detonation dynamics interact with the kernels of both phenomena. The numerical approach employed to handle the PBE relies on spatial discretization based on a fixed-pivot scheme. The dynamic solution of the models representing both processes is evolved with time using a Differential-Algebraic Equation (DAE) implicit solver. The strategy is applied to simulate the production of alumina nanoparticles from Ammonium Nitrate Fuel Oil aluminized emulsions. The results show good agreement with the literature and experience-based knowledge, demonstrating the tool’s potential in advancing understanding of the detonation route.