ABSTRACT
Deflagration and detonation are the propagation of a combustion zone at subsonic and supersonic velocity, respectively. Explosion is generally defined as the resulting burst of the containing tank, vessel or pipe [NFPA]. In this chapter we will refer to explosion as the sudden release of energy that accompanies either a deflagration or a detonation. We will review the effects of explosions occurring inside vessels and pipes, as well as the effects of external explosions where the pressure wave hits the pipe from the outside.
