A detonation is a type of supersonic combustion that involves a shock wave coupled with an exothermic reaction front. Unlike deflagration (subsonic burning), detonation propagates faster than the speed of sound in the medium, creating intense pressure and temperature spikes.
How Detonations Work
Detonations occur when a reactive mixture is subjected to a strong ignition source, such as a spark or another explosion. The resulting shock wave compresses and heats the unreacted material ahead of it, triggering rapid chemical reactions that sustain the wave.
Applications
While often associated with destructive events, controlled detonations have important uses in mining, demolition, aerospace propulsion (e.g., pulse detonation engines), and scientific research.
Safety and Research
Understanding detonation physics helps improve safety protocols and develop new technologies. Researchers study detonation limits, stability, and initiation mechanisms to harness or mitigate their effects.