Definition

Noun: A propellant explosive is a type of explosive material whose primary function is to produce a large volume of gas very rapidly to create controlled, sustained pressure. This pressure is used to propel an object, such as a projectile from a gun, a rocket, or a missile, without causing a destructive blast at the point of ignition.

Usage

This term is used specifically in military, aerospace, and ballistic contexts to distinguish this class of explosives from high explosives (which are designed for shattering or demolition). It refers to the substance itself that provides the propelling force.

Examples

• Noun:
  • The artillery shell uses a propellant explosive to launch it toward its target.
  • Solid rocket boosters are filled with a propellant explosive that burns in a controlled manner.

Advanced Usage

• Technical Context: In engineering, a propellant explosive is characterized by its deflagration (rapid burning) rather than detonation (supersonic shock wave), making it suitable for sustained thrust.
  • The design focused on finding a more efficient propellant explosive for the new generation of missiles.

Variants and Related Words

• Propellant (n): A more general term for any substance used to propel something. A propellant can be a propellant explosive or another substance like a compressed gas.

  • The canister uses a chemical propellant to release its contents.

• Gunpowder (n): A historical and common type of low explosive used as a propellant explosive in firearms and fireworks.

• Rocket Propellant (n): A specific type of propellant explosive or mixture used for rocket propulsion.

Synonyms

• Low explosive: A technical synonym, as propellant explosives are a subclass of low explosives which deflagrate.
• Propelling charge: A term emphasizing its functional use, especially in artillery.

Related Phrases

• Propellant grain (n): A shaped mass of solid propellant explosive.
  • The burn rate depends on the shape of the propellant grain.

Noun

1. an explosive that is used to propel projectiles from guns or to propel rockets and missiles or to launch torpedos and depth charges