Matalaräjähteiset

Matalaräjähteiset, meaning low-explosive in Finnish, refers to substances that burn rapidly and produce gas, but do not detonate. This classification distinguishes them from high explosives, which undergo a supersonic shock wave and achieve much higher pressures and velocities. Low explosives are characterized by their deflagration, a process where the burning front moves subsonically through the material. Common examples of materials classified as low explosives include gunpowder and pyrotechnic compositions.

These substances are typically used in applications where a rapid push or burn is required, rather than a shattering effect. This includes propellants in firearms, fireworks, and certain types of industrial blasting where a controlled push is needed. The rate of burning in low explosives can be influenced by factors such as particle size, confinement, and the presence of oxidizers. Unlike high explosives, which are sensitive to shock and friction, low explosives generally require an ignition source to initiate the rapid burning process. The manufacturing and handling of low explosives are subject to regulations due to their potential for rapid combustion and gas production, which can create dangerous pressures if improperly confined.