Shock sensitivity

Shock sensitivity is the tendency of an energetic material to initiate rapid exothermic decomposition under mechanical impact. It depends on the material and on the conditions of the impact.

Hot spot (energetic materials): A localized region of elevated temperature or pressure where an energetic material can begin reacting. Impact-induced hot spots are a leading explanation for how mechanical loading initiates decomposition.
Explosive material: A substance or mixture capable of rapid energy release accompanied by gas production and pressure. Shock sensitivity is one of the properties used to characterize explosive materials.
Explosives safety: The practices and standards used to reduce harm from explosive materials. Lower shock sensitivity can reduce accidental-initiation risk, though it does not make a material safe.
Friction sensitivity: The tendency of an energetic material to initiate reaction under frictional force. It measures response to sliding or rubbing, not primarily impact.
Shock-to-detonation transition: The process by which a shock wave in an explosive grows into a self-sustaining detonation. It describes how impact-triggered reactions can develop into detonation.
Detonation: A self-sustaining reaction wave that travels through an explosive faster than sound in the unreacted material. Detonation is a possible outcome of shock initiation, distinct from mere ignition.
Insensitive munitions: Munitions designed to resist unintended initiation under specified accident and threat stimuli. Impact response is one hazard considered when designing munitions for reduced accidental initiation.
Thermal sensitivity: The tendency of a material to react under heating or elevated temperature. Heating tests isolate thermal response from mechanical impact.
Impact initiation: The initiation of a rapid reaction in an energetic material by mechanical impact. It names the initiating event whose likelihood shock sensitivity measures.
Impact test: A test that assesses a material's response to a controlled mechanical impact. Impact-test results operationalize sensitivity but depend on the test protocol.

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