Velocity of Detonation (VoD)
Definition
The speed at which the detonation wave propagates through an explosive, measured in metres per second. RDX: approximately 8,750 m/s; TNT: approximately 6,900 m/s; urea nitrate: approximately 4,700 m/s. A proxy for explosive brisance and shattering power.
- Unit of measurement
- Metres per second (m/s)
- Typical range for high explosives
- 1,500 to 9,000 m/s
- Related property
- Brisance and shattering power of the explosive
Common questions
What is velocity of detonation?+
It is the speed at which a detonation wave travels through a high explosive, measured in metres per second. VoD separates high explosives from low explosives, which never detonate.
What VoD values are typical for common explosives?+
TNT detonates at approximately 6,900 m/s, while RDX is faster at approximately 8,750 m/s. Urea nitrate is slower at approximately 4,700 m/s. High explosives generally range from 1,500 to 9,000 m/s.
Why does VoD matter in forensic analysis?+
VoD serves as a proxy for the explosive's brisance and shattering power. This helps forensic chemists understand the force and fragmentation behavior of explosives recovered from a blast scene.
Related terms
- Ammonium Adduct [M + NH4]+
- The dominant ionisation form of TATP in positive-mode ESI LC-MS when ammonium acetate or formate is present in the mobile phase. TATP...
- ANFO (Ammonium Nitrate Fuel Oil)
- A low-sensitivity bulk explosive mixture of prilled ammonium nitrate (94 per cent by weight) and fuel oil (6 per cent). The primary...
- 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;...
- 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...
- Detonator
- A small initiating charge of primary explosive (lead azide, lead styphnate, mercury fulminate or DDNP) that converts an electrical, mechanical or pyrotechnic...
- EU Regulation 2019/1148
- The European Union regulation on the marketing and use of explosive precursors, restricting public access to hydrogen peroxide above 12%, nitric acid...
- Explosive
- A chemical or mixture that undergoes rapid exothermic decomposition releasing large volumes of gas and heat when triggered by heat, shock, friction...
- 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...
- Oxygen Balance
- A percentage expressing the surplus or deficit of oxygen in an explosive molecule relative to stoichiometric complete oxidation of carbon to CO2...
- PESO (Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation)
- The Indian regulatory authority under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry that administers the Explosive Substances Act 1908 and subordinate rules, including...
- Sensitivity
- How easily an explosive is set off by impact, friction, spark, heat or shock. Primary explosives are highly sensitive; secondary explosives need...
Explained in these topics
- Explosives: Definition, Types and ClassificationThe speed at which the detonation wave travels through a high explosive. Reported in metres per second. Low explosives never detonate; high explosives detonate...
- Homemade Explosives: TATP, HMTD, Urea Nitrate and Precursor ControlThe speed at which the detonation wave propagates through an explosive, measured in metres per second. RDX: approximately 8,750 m/s; TNT: approximately 6,900 m...