Influence of constant electric field on self-propagating high-temperature synthesis wave

A model of a heterogeneous medium allowing the action of a constant electric field (CEF) on a combustion wave in the condensed phase to be taken into account is proposed. It is shown that the influence of the CEF on the combustion temperature is of threshold type: At a CEF less than the threshold, the combustion temperature is constant; above the threshold, the combustion temperature falls with increase in CEF. The combustion rate falls with increase in CEF; this is associated with slowing of the reactive diffusion in the combustion wave. On passing through the CEF threshold, there is a discontinuity in the combustion-rate curve; this is due to additional slowing of the reactive diffusion on account of the reduction in combustion temperature.