What type of explosive is designed to detonate rather than deflagrate?

The type of explosive designed to detonate rather than deflagrate is classified as a high explosive. High explosives are characterized by their ability to generate a rapid shock wave and produce an explosion that travels faster than the speed of sound in the material, typically through a process known as detonation. This involves a very rapid chemical reaction that leads to an instantaneous release of energy, resulting in a powerful explosion.

In contrast, deflagrating explosives burn at a slower rate, and their reactions propagate through the material at subsonic speeds, which means they produce a less intense explosion. Low explosives fall under this category, as they are often used for applications such as propellants in firearms or fireworks, where a controlled burn is necessary.

Hygroscopic explosives refer to materials that absorb moisture from the atmosphere, and while they can affect the performance of explosives, they do not inherently classify the explosive as high or low. Therefore, high explosives are distinguished by their rapid detonation characteristic, which is crucial in military and demolition applications.