Explosives I - Introduction: Online

What you will learn

By the end of this section you will be able to:

• state the different types of explosion
• explain the difference between primary/secondary explosives and propellants
• explain the relationship between energy, speed and power for a chemical explosive
• describe the difference between explosive compositions and molecular explosives with reference to their structures
• describe the nature of explosive reaction products.

Core content This section describes the different types of explosion and details the key differences between propellants and explosives. It goes on to discuss the energy contained in and released by explosives and propellants. You are then introduced to the fuel/oxidiser concept behind most explosives in particular explosive compositions as compared to molecular explosives.  Finally you touch on the different reaction products produced after an explosive has decomposed.