Kinetic energy systems rely on the conversion of kinetic energy to work, while potential energy systems use explosive energy directly in the form of heat and blast, or by accelerating metal as a shaped charge, EFP or case fragments to increase their kinetic energy and damage volume.Potential energy can, under suitable conditions, be transformed into kinetic energy, which is energy of motion. When a conventional explosive such as TNT is detonated, the relatively unstable chemical bonds are converted into bonds that are more stable, producing kinetic energy in the form of blast and thermal energies. A chemical explosive is a compound or a mixture of compounds which, when subjected to heat, impact, friction, or shock, undergoes very rapid, self-propagating, heat- producing decomposition. A high explosive will detonate; a low explosive will deflagrate. All commercial explosives except black powder are high explosives.
A detonation is the powerful explosive effect caused by the propagation of a high-speed shockwave through a high explosive compound or mixture. During the process of detonation, the high explosive is largely decomposed into hot, rapidly expanding gas.
It is the speed at which the detonation wave travels through the explosive. Most manufacturers, however, measure the detonation velocity in an unconfined column of explosive 1- i/4 in. in diameter. The detonation velocity of an explosive is dependent on the density, ingredients, particle size, charge diameter, and degree of confinement. The confined detonation velocity of commercial explosives varies from 4,000 to 25,000 fps. With cartridge explosives the confined velocity is seldom attained. Some explosives and blasting agents are sensitive to diameter changes. Denser explosives usually give higher detonation velocities and pressures. Energetic materials are made in two ways. Ingredients of high explosives are classified as explosive bases, combustibles, oxygen carriers, antacids, and absorbents. Antacids increase stability in storage, and absorb-ents absorb liquid explosive bases.Primary explosives often are referred to as initiating explosives because they can be used to ignite secondary explosives. Secondary explosives, which include nitroaromatics and nitramines are much more prevalent at military sites than are primary explosives. Because they are formulated to detonate only under specific circumstances, secondary explosives often are used as main charge or bolstering explosives.
Secondary explosives can be loosely categorized into melt-pour explosives, which are based on nitroaromatics such as TNT, and plastic-bonded explosives which are based on a binder and crystalline explosive such as RDX.
Explosive and incendiary (fire) bombs are further characterized based on their source. Manufactured (military) explosive weapons are exclusively HE-based. The energetic materials used by the military as propellants and explosives are mostly organic compounds containing nitro (NO2) groups. The Army uses Research Department Explosive (RDX) and High Melt Explosive (HMX) as basic explosives for munitions and tactical missiles as well as propellants for strategic missiles rather than TNT because of their superior energy.
Some explosives may irritate the skin.
Some detonation or combustion products from explosives are toxic. All of the common explosives are solid at normal environmental temperatures and pressures. Melting point temperatures for explosives solids are moderate (50-205 0C).
P.S.
Now a days many types of explosives are being used in civilian killings. Almost all of them were developed by so-called civilized countries. Most of them are being prepared in violation of UNO Resolutions (resolutions were also prepared and passed by these civilized countries in UNO; for the sake of hypocrisy and lip service).
