What does the term 'detonation velocity' refer to?

Detonation velocity refers specifically to the speed at which the detonation wave travels through an explosive material. This is a critical property of explosives as it determines the effectiveness and power of the explosive reaction. When an explosive is detonated, a shock wave is produced, and the speed of this wave is what is referred to as detonation velocity.

Understanding detonation velocity is essential for safety professionals because it influences how and when the explosive will reach its peak pressure and cause effect—such as fragmentation or blast pressure. In explosive engineering and safety management, knowing the detonation velocity helps in selecting the appropriate type and amount of explosive for a given application to ensure maximum efficiency and safety.

Other options refer to related but distinct phenomena: the speed of a shock wave, the burning rate of an explosive, the function of a detonator, and the time taken to reach peak pressure do not accurately define detonation velocity.