ABSTRACT
An explosive material, called an explosive, is a reactive substance that contains a great amount of potential energy that can produce an explosion if released suddenly, usually accompanied by the production of light, heat, sound, and pressure. An explosive charge is measured quantity of explosive material. Explosive power or performance is evaluated by tailored series of tests to assess the material for its intended use. The introduction of water into an explosive is highly undesirable since it reduces the sensitivity, strength, and velocity of detonation of explosive. Sensitivity, strength, and velocity of detonation are reduced by inert materials that reduce the continuity of the explosive mass. A chemical explosive may consist of either chemically pure compound, such as nitroglycerin, or mixture of a fuel and an oxidizer, such as black powder or grain dust and air. The availability and cost of explosives are determined by availability of the raw materials and cost, complexity, and safety of the manufacturing operations.
