Detonating Cord
Definition
A cord with a PETN explosive core (5-40 g/m) that detonates at approximately 6,400 m/s when initiated. Used to connect multiple charges for simultaneous detonation or to transmit a detonation signal. It is an explosive, not a fuse; it must be initiated by a detonator, not a flame.
- Core explosive
- PETN (pentaerythritol tetranitrate)
- Detonation velocity
- 6,400-6,500 m/s
- Explosive load
- 5-40 grams per meter
Common questions
What makes detonating cord different from a fuse?+
Detonating cord is an explosive device with a PETN core, not a slow-burning fuse. It requires a detonator to initiate and travels at extremely high speed. A fuse burns along its length and must be lit by flame; detonating cord must be initiated by a detonator.
How fast does detonating cord detonate?+
It travels at approximately 6,400 to 6,500 meters per second along its length. This extreme speed allows it to synchronize multiple charges almost instantaneously, which is why it is valuable in blasting operations.
What is inside detonating cord?+
Detonating cord has a PETN explosive core (typically containing 5 to 40 grams per meter) enclosed in a plastic sheath. The PETN is the high-explosive material that detonates when the cord is initiated by a detonator.
Related terms
- ATF Explosives Industry Programs Branch (EIPB)
- The US federal unit within the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives responsible for licensing, compliance inspection, and database management for...
- Bridgewire
- The high-resistance wire element within an electric detonator, typically nichrome or platinum-iridium, that converts firing current into heat to ignite the pyrotechnic...
- Critical Diameter
- The minimum charge diameter below which a detonation wave cannot sustain itself, because energy losses to the sides of the charge exceed...
- 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...
- DNT Isomers (2,4-DNT and 2,6-DNT)
- Dinitrotoluene intermediates and impurities present in manufactured TNT. Their molar ratio in post-blast debris or intact samples provides a manufacturing signature that...
- Electric Detonator (Blasting Cap)
- A metal-shell initiating device containing a bridgewire assembly, primary explosive (lead azide), and output charge (PETN or RDX). Firing current through the...
- ENFSI Monopoly Programme
- The European Network of Forensic Science Institutes working group on explosives and gunshot residue analysis, which coordinates inter-laboratory method harmonisation and cross-border...
- HMTD (Hexamethylene Triperoxide Diamine)
- A peroxide explosive analogue of TATP, synthesised from hexamine (hexamethylenetetramine), hydrogen peroxide, and citric acid. Similar sensitivity profile. Detected by LC-MS/MS as...
- Ion Mobility Spectrometry (IMS)
- A field-deployable analytical technique that separates ions by their mobility in an electric field at atmospheric pressure. Used for trace explosive detection...
- Nitramine
- A cyclic explosive in which the nitro groups are attached to nitrogen atoms within the ring (N-NO2), as in RDX and HMX....
- Nitro Compound
- A molecule containing one or more -NO2 (nitro) groups covalently bonded to carbon. TNT is an aromatic nitro compound; PETN is a...
- Nonel Shock-Tube System
- A non-electric initiating system using a hollow plastic tube coated internally with approximately 18 mg/m of HMX. A low-energy shock propagates through...
Explained in these topics
- Initiators, Detonators and the Explosives Regulatory FrameA cord with a PETN explosive core (5-40 g/m) that detonates at approximately 6,400 m/s when initiated. Used to connect multiple charges for simultaneous detona...
- Specific Explosives: TNT, RDX, PETN, HMX, ANFO, TATP, Urea NitrateA flexible cord with a PETN core (typically 5-40 g/m) enclosed in a plastic sheath. Detonates at approximately 6,400-6,500 m/s along its length, used to connec...