DETONATION

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An extremely rapid exothermic decomposition reaction which proceeds at a rate greater than the speed of sound within the reacting material (unlike DEFLAGRATION). The normal mode of initiation is shock (such as a blasting cap or high level mechanical shock), or from initial combustion which, due to peculiarities of confinement or other circumstances accelerates to such a degree that a shock wave is formed. Behind the shock wave is a reaction zone where material is converted to gaseous products at high temperature and pressure. The flow of the reaction is in the same direction as the propagation.