Understanding Explosion Dynamics

Explosions can be categorized into two main types: low order and high order, which differ primarily in the speed at which materials convert from solid or liquid to gas. Low order explosions, such as those caused by gunpowder, involve a rapid combustion that results in a relatively slow release of energy when compared to high order explosions, which occur in nanoseconds, producing significantly increased pressure. This conversion creates high-pressure gas that radiates from the explosion's epicenter, with larger explosives causing far-reaching effects due to the sheer number of molecules involved. The energy released from an explosion is mathematically correlated to the mass of the explosive used, directly impacting the extent of damage caused by the blast wave that follows.