Explosives and Propellants

Abstract

Explosives and propellants are chemical compounds that undergo chemical decomposition reactions at very fast speeds, producing gaseous products and a great deal of heat. In some circumstances a blast wave can be produced. The information provided here gives an introduction to this process covering the theory of detonation and deflagration. Explosives can be divided into three classes: (i) primary explosives, (ii) secondary explosives, and (iii) propellants. The behavior and performance of these three classes of explosives is discussed. Physical and chemical data on primary and secondary explosives are given together with details of new high temperature explosives. Last, future developments in explosives technology are presented with regard to enhancing the performance, insensitive high explosives, and explosives and the environment.