Explosives

Explosives are reactive substances that contain a large amount of potential energy that can produce an explosion if released suddenly, usually accompanied by the production of light, heat, sound, and pressure. An explosive charge is a measured quantity of explosive material, which may either be composed solely of one ingredient or be a mixture containing at least two substances.

History

The discovery of gunpowder and the invention of the steam engine sparked a slow advancement in the science of explosives. These advancements were minor compared to the impact of WWI and WWII, which saw the development of high explosives, dynamite and other munitions, a trend that continues to this day.

Types of Explosives

Explosives are categorized as high or low explosives. High explosives detonate to produce a defining supersonic over-pressurization shock wave. Examples of high explosives include TNT, C-4, semtex, nitroglycerin, dynamite, and HMX. Low explosives deflagrate at subsonic speeds. Examples include gunpowder, smokeless powder, and flash powder.

Safety and Handling

The handling of explosives involves great risk, and is subject to strict laws and regulations. From a safety standpoint, the most important variables in the handling of explosives are stability, sensitivity, and briscance.

See Also

• Blasting cap
• Detonator
• Fuse (explosives)
• TNT equivalent

References

Explosives Resources
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