Detonation

Detonation is an exothermic, high-velocity chemical reaction in which a combustion wave propagates through a flammable gas, vapour, or dust mixture at supersonic speeds, sustained by a self-propagating shockwave.1

In contrast to deflagration, where a flame front travels at subsonic speeds through thermal conduction and mass diffusion, detonation involves an instantaneous reaction driven by extreme adiabatic shock compression.

• 1

  Standards Australia, AS/NZS 60079.10.1: Explosive atmospheres - Classification of areas - Explosive gas atmospheres.