explosive

explosive, substance that undergoes decomposition or combustion with great rapidity, evolving much heat and producing a large volume of gas. The reaction products fill a much greater volume than that occupied by the original material and exert an enormous pressure, which can be used for blasting and for propelling.

Sections in this article:

• Introduction
• Development of Nondetonating Explosives
• Applications of Explosives
• Classification of Explosives
• Bibliography

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