TABLE OF CONTENTS An explosion occurs when a large amount of energy is suddenly released. This energy may come from an over-pressurized steam boiler, or from the products of a chemical reaction involving explosive materials, or from a nuclear reaction which is uncontrolled. In order for an explosion to occur there must be a local accumulation of energy at the site of the explosion which is suddenly released. This release of energy can be dissipated as blast waves, propulsion of debris, or by the emission of thermal and ionizing radiation.
These types of explosion can be divided into three groups; physical explosions such as the over-pressurized steam boiler, chemical explosions as in the chemical reactions of explosive compositions, and atomic explosions.
The energy produced from an atomic or nuclear explosion is a million to a billion times greater than the energy produced from a chemical explosion. The shockwaves from an atomic explosion are similar to those produced by a chemical explosion but will last longer and have a higher pressure in the positive pulse and a lower pressure in the negative phase. The heavy flux of neutrons produced from an atomic explosion would be fatal to anybody near the explosion, whereas those who are some distance from the explosion would be harmed by the gamma radiation. Atomic explosions also emit intense infra-red and ultra-violet radiation.
A physical explosion can arise when a substance whilst being compressed undergoes a rapid physical transformation. At the same time, the potential energy...
