High explosives (HE) are explosive materials that detonate, meaning that the explosive shock front passes through the material at a supersonic speed. ... The term high explosive is in contrast with the term low explosive, which explodes (deflagrates) at a lower rate.

What is high explosive?

High explosives are materials that are characterized by a very high rate of reaction, high pressure development, and the presence of a detonation wave. The guideline applies to the following explosives: blasting explosives in bulk or in packaged form, e.g.; ANFO (ammonium nitrate / fuel oil);

What makes an explosive a high explosive?

High explosives consist of materials that typically combine the reacting elements in the same molecule. This allows them to react much faster, and they “detonate.” Detonation involves supersonic shock waves that pass through the material, causing chemistry that happens quite a bit faster than burning.