Detonation
A
detonation is a rapid
explosion that generates
supersonic pressure waves (shock waves) in the surrounding medium. Detonations are produced by high
explosives,
nuclear weapons, etc. This is in contrast to
deflagration, where the pressure waves are
subsonic.
Detonations are hard to control and are used primarily for demolition and in warfare. An experimental form of jet propulsion, the pulse detonation engine, uses detonation to generate thrust.
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