Single-head spin modes in frontal polymerization

The single-head spin mode is the first two-dimensional pattern of self-propagating thermal reaction fronts observed after the planar front loses stability. A "hot spot" is observed to propagate around the periphery of the front. The dynamics of the single-head frontal polymerization regime were studied experimentally, and two novel results were found. The "hot spot" was measured and found to be superadiabatic. The relationship between the rotational velocity and the propagating velocity was found. Experimental data were also compared with the theoretical results based on the linear stability analysis and found to be in a reasonable agreement. (c) 1998 American Institute of Physics.