Detonation Pressure

The Detonation Pressure calculator computes the detonation pressure based on the velocity (VD) and the density (ρ).

INSTRUCTIONS: Choose units and enter the following:

• (VD) This is the velocity of detonation
• (ρ) This is the density

Detonation Pressure (P_det): The calculator returns the pressure in gigapascals (GPa).  However, this can be automatically converted to compatible units via the pull-down menu.

The Math / Science

The Detonation Pressure of an explosive provides an indicator of its ability to do work and determines whether it is a high brisance or low brisance explosive.  The formula for Detonation Pressure is:

       P_det = 2.5 • VD • ρ/(0.0000001)

where:

• P_det is the detonation pressure
• VD is the velocity of detonation in meters per second
• ρ is the density in grams per cubic centimeter.

Resource:

• "Formulae for Ammunition Management." International Ammunition Technical Guideline. 1st ed. New York: UN, 2013. 2-3.UN SaferGuard. United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA), 20 May 2013. Web. 12 June 2015. <http://www.un.org/disarmament/convarms/Ammunition>.