Explosives may be classified as low or high depending on how they explode.
Parameters:
(1) mode of exploding
(2) velocity of detonation (VOD) in meters per second
(3) shock energy and pressure generated
|
Parameter
|
Low Explosive
|
High Explosive
|
|
mode of exploding
|
deflagration (burn)
|
detonation
|
|
velocity of detonation
|
< 2,000 m/s (< 2 km/s)
|
> 2,000 m/s (up to 8,000 or more)
|
|
shock energy and detonation pressure generated
|
relatively low
|
high
|
