Аннотация:Among the problems of wave processes in reactive gas mixtures, self-sustained detonation propagation holds a special place. Increased interest in detonation in the last decade has been motivated by attempts to use detonation in propulsion units. In this case, the main problem is detonation initiation. This problem can be solved with the help of shock waves created by external energy source. A new method of initiation using the cumulation effect near the axis or center of symmetry was studied in [1, 2]. Investigations of the detonation initiation by a piston have led to the conclusion that it is effective from the point of view of minimization of both power inputs and the time required for detonation initiation [3]. The present paper reports the results of a study of the fundamental detonation problems involved in the design of advanced engines based on detonation combustion.