Detonator

detonator (dĕ`tənā'tər), type of explosive that reacts with great rapidity and is used to set off other, more inert explosives. Fulminate of mercury mixed with potassium chlorate is a commonly used detonator. The word is also applied to equipment which, by flame, spark, percussion, friction, or pressure, is used to set off a chemical detonator.

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detonator [′det·ən‚ād·ər]

(engineering)

A device, such as a blasting cap, employing a sensitive primary explosive to detonate a high-explosive charge.

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detonator

A blasting cap, electric blasting cap, electric-delay blasting cap, or nonelectric-delay blasting cap.

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Detonator 

a high-explosive charge intended to ensure the complete explosion of the main charge of a shell, mine, aerial bomb, or blasting charge. Pressed cylindrical high-explosive charges (tetryl, phlegmatized hexogens of pentaerythritol tetranitrate [PETN], or trinitrotoluene [TNT]), which are more sensitive to detonation than the explosive of the charge, are usually used. One form of detonator is the so-called TNT plug, which is used for ammunition with a bursting charge of ammonites; it also protects the main charge from atmospheric moisture.

The weight and size of detonators are determined by the quantity of explosive in the bursting charge of the ammunition, the form and sensitivity to detonation of the explosive, and the purpose of the ammunition. An additional detonator is used if the power of the igniter detonator is inadequate.

REFERENCES

Vzryvchatye veshchestva i porokha. Moscow, 1955.
lakhontov, A. D. Vzryvnye raboty i vzryvchatye materialy. Moscow, 1959.
Tret’iakov, G. M. Boepripasy artillerii. Moscow, 1947.

IU. V. FEDOROV