Explosions - consist of a chemical and/or physical element. A chemical explosion occurs from stored chemical energy in molecules that produce heat, light, sound, and kinetic energy. A physical explosion is the sudden release of pressure.
Detonation - subsonic explosion with a speed faster than the speed of sound, with a pressure wave of up to 8500 meters per second. Detonations tend to shatter objects around them. If the detonation is condensed, the result will be a crater.
Deflagration - subsonic explosion with a speed slower than the speed of sound, with a pressure wave of 1000 meters per second or less. This is transmitted by thermal conductivity and is most seen in common fires.
High Explosives - much more dangerous than low explosives. They have a shattering effect and explode at a rate between 100 and 8500 meters per second. They can be primary or secondary. Primary explosives are extremely sensitive, while secondary explosives are relatively insensitive, examples being PETN and TNT.
Low Explosives - have the ability to burn the way another combustible material would. A pushing or throwing effect is exerted, with a blast front velocity of 400ms-1 (aka propellants).
Explosives Dictionary
The Basics
iKAPOW / May 2014 9
Letter and Parcel Bombs - typically consist of a small amount of high explosives hidden in a parcel or package. Less damage is caused, leaving less forensic evidence.
Mines - concealed devices that contain high explosive. Mines are commonly seen in the military and leave lots of forensic evidence.
Suicide Bomber- an individual who either wears or carries the explosive.
Pipe Bomb - short length of pipe with both ends "capped". The detonator is placed in one end and high or low explosives may be used. Surviving pieces are used as forensic evidence.
Vehicle Bombs - bombs made of a large quantity of low explosive and a high explosive booster. The bomb is placed in a vehicle, causing mass destruction.
Lindsay Zabawar