Self-similarity in atomistic simulations of a detonating system

In this paper we apply the continuum theory of detonations to explain the self-similarity exhibited by model atomistic molecular dynamics simulations. We show that these simulations are in qualitative and quantitative agreement with expectations based on the continuum theory of compressive reactive flows. The demonstrated self-similarity may be exploited to determine the CJ point without detailed knowledge of the steady flow portion of the system.