Deflagration to detonation transition (DDT) in flake aluminum dust-air mixture was studied in a 199 mm inner diameter and 29.6 m long horizontal tube. 40 sets of dust dispersion system were used to disperse flake aluminum into the experimental tube. An electric spark of 40 J Was used to ignite the aluminum-air Mixture. Self-sustained detonation was observed and the characteristics of deflagration to detonation transition process were studied. Contributed to the transverse wave and cellular structure of detonation wave front in aluminum-air mixture, the propagation velocity of detonation wave ranges from 1480 m/s to 1820 m/s and the maximum overpressure oscillates between 40 and 102 bar. Single head spinning detonation wave in aluminum dust-air mixture was observed and the cell size was evaluated. (c) 2008 The Combustion Institute. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.