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A detonation is a rapid explosion that generates supersonic pressure waves ( shock waves) in the surrounding medium. Detonations are produced by high explosives, nuclear weapons, etc. This is in contrast to deflagration, where the pressure waves are subsonic.

Detonations are hard to control and are used primarily for demolition and in warfare. An experimental form of jet propulsion, the pulse detonation engine, uses detonation to generate thrust.

Detonation in otto-cycle engines is caused usually by heat (or by pressure) resulting in a premature ignition (preignition, knocking). This force is extremely destructive to engines, and often results in holes blown through the top of pistons or engine block s. This is different than diesel engines, which use detonation as their primary method of extracting energyThis article is about the scientific concept. Energy use by humans is discussed in other articles''. Energy generally and qualitatively speaking, is the property (or the quantity of the property) of doing things or supplying power. The expressions energy from dieselThis article is about the fuel. For other uses see diesel (disambiguation). Diesel is a product used as a fuel in a diesel engine invented by Rudolf Diesel, and perfected by Charles F. Petrodiesel One can obtain diesel from petroleum, which is called petr.

See also Detonation section of Explosive, DetonatorA detonator is used to trigger bombs, shaped charges and other forms of explosive device. Detonators are often attached to a timer to ensure that the explosion takes place at the desired time, or when the person laying the explosives has reached a safe di.