Progress in the microscale detonation research

Microscale detonation is a new research subject based on the concepts of microscale combustion and power micro electro mechanical systems, which aims to meet the increasing demand for small but high performance power system by utilizing detonation combustion with high thermal efficiency. Although microscale detonation research has partially been involved in the conventional investigations of detonation for decades, its fundamental mechanisms are still poorly understood. In this paper, an overall review on the phenomenon, origins, influence factors and challenges of microscale detonation as well as its basic concepts is provided. Significant results to date are summarized, which may contribute to the further exploration of this subject.