detonator

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detonator

(dĕ`tənā'tər), type of explosiveexplosive,
substance that undergoes decomposition or combustion with great rapidity, evolving much heat and producing a large volume of gas. The reaction products fill a much greater volume than that occupied by the original material and exert an enormous pressure, which can be
..... Click the link for more information. 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.

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

detonator

[′det·ən‚ād·ər]

(engineering)

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

detonator

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

References in periodicals archive ?

Surface -- tremendous improvement has been seen in cast, mostly because the detonator is delivering what the customer always wanted -- accurate timing.

Better blasts with i-kon

The delay time of a detonator is determined by the burn rate of the composition used in the delay element and the length of that element.

The chemistry of detonators - what's behind the bang

While each electronic system differs between suppliers, generally speaking, the firing box communicates with each detonator in the circuit via the internal microchip to check for continuity by using enough power to test the circuit, but at no stage enough power to initiate the detonator.

Detonators: best-for-project practices in drill and blast

You were found in possession of a detonator and that in the context of your lifestyle at the time is a serious business.

Detonator and shotgun man jailed

The detonator is one of a batch stolen from the Yugoslavian army and sold to the Real IRA in 2000.

Prison alert as Semtex is found

Minimal on-bench components--just the electronic DigiShot Plus detonator (in the borehole) and a two-wire busline on the pattern.

Dyno Nobel's DigiShot Plus Offers Quick Deployment

Explosives supplier BME recently called attention to an ongoing mining-industry transition from non-electric to electronic delay detonators (EDDs), a trend that the company said has brought many benefits to mining productivity.

Blasters Realizing Value of Longer Delays Allowed by Electronics

These misfires are eliminated with electronics, as the detonator operates as a stand-alone entity the instant you push the 'fire' button," said Trevor Grant, managing director of the Australia-based blasting optimization company Advanced Initiating Systems (AIS).

Australian coal operator detonates world's biggest blast

Capital Investigation Department of Police has arrested three suspected militants and recovered heavy explosive material, detonators, bearing balls and detonator wires from them, senior police officer told media.

Three suspected militants arrested in Southern Pakistan

Leaders of Central Asian countries must solve border questions, otherwise Fergana Valley may become a detonator of regional conflicts, Kyrgyzstan Security Council ex-Secretary Miroslav Niyazov said at the press conference on February 6.

Unsolved questions of state borders may cause situation escalation in Fergana Valley -- Security Council ex-Secretary

Sendai airport in northeastern Japan resumed operations Wednesday after the Ground Self-Defense Force extracted the fuse and detonator from an unexploded bomb found recently near its runways.

UPDATE1: Disposal of dud bomb begins at Sendai Airport

Last month, a 15-year-old boy from Essex was blinded in one eye and suffered severe facial injuries after a detonator exploded in his face.