ANFO

Related terms

Brisance

The shattering power of a detonating explosive, distinct from heave (bulk displacement). Measured by the Trauzl lead block test. High-brisance explosives (RDX,...

Deflagration

A subsonic combustion front propagating through an explosive by thermal conduction. Characteristic of low explosives such as black powder and smokeless powder;...

Deflagration-to-Detonation Transition (DDT)

The acceleration of a deflagrating burn front to supersonic detonation velocity, triggered by confinement. Relevant to understanding how improvised devices using low...

Detonation

A supersonic shock wave coupled to a chemical reaction front, propagating through a high explosive at velocities between approximately 4,500 and 9,100...

Ion Chromatography (IC)

An analytical technique that separates and quantifies anions and cations in solution. In post-blast residue analysis, IC detects nitrate, nitrite, ammonium, and...

Primary Explosive

A high explosive sensitive enough to detonate from friction, spark, percussion, or flame without confinement or a separate booster. Examples: mercury fulminate,...

Secondary Explosive

A high explosive insensitive to normal friction, spark, and percussion; requires a primary explosive shock or blasting cap to initiate detonation. Examples:...

Tertiary Explosive (Blasting Agent)

An ammonium nitrate-based explosive formulation requiring both a primary and a booster charge for reliable initiation. ANFO is the globally dominant blasting...

TNT Equivalent

A normalised measure of explosive energy output relative to trinitrotoluene (TNT equivalent = 1.0). Used to compare blast yields across different explosive...

Explained in

• Explosives Classification: Low, High, Primary, Secondary, TertiaryAmmonium nitrate fuel oil: 94% ammonium nitrate prills + 6% diesel fuel oil. Detonation velocity approximately 4,500-4,800 m/s. The most widely used commercial...