Detonation 01 : (1) A thermal decomposition that occurs at supersonic velocity, accompanied by a shock wave in the decomposing material. (2) A burning that takes place at a flame speed above the velocity of sound in the unburned medium
Ralph W. Burklin & Robert G. Purington, Fire Terms: A Guide to Their Meaning and Use, National Protection Association, Boston, MA 1980 USA. (Guide: Meaning and Use, Nat Prot Association Fr Srvc - Amer) {457}