BP explodes if unconstrained?

[rsilvers]

I just read that BP will explode if unconstrained, unlike smokeless powder. What is the story behind this? If you make a small pile of it and light it, it does not explode - so what do they mean?


I think they mean it will explode in a gun if the projectile is not pressed against it from the start.

[John Boy]

I just read that BP will explode if unconstrained, unlike smokeless powder.

What is the book - magazine - article or ? ... that says it will explode?

[rsilvers]

Various places - but there are always inconclusive.


http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=301209&page=2


An explosive will cause an explosion even if detonated in an unconfined situation. A stick of dynamite will explode if detonated while lying in the open. A pile of gunpowder will explode if ignited.[/size]A pile of smokeless powder will only burn rapidly if ignited unconfined.




More clues:


"Black powder burns at the same rate whether confined or unconfined. This is the definition of an explosive. Smokeless powders are progressive burning and burn at different rates when confined or unconfined."


I am thinking BP does not really explode - but rather it is technically an explosive because the burn rate does not change when confined.[/color]

[John Boy]

rsilvers - instead of me explaining the difference between explosion and what black powder does - deflagrate ... read this post by the author that explains the differences and is 100% factual ...
http://thefiringline.com/forums/showpost.php?p=3388560&postcount=4