Types of Explosives
Explosives are categorized into 2 types with a third "sub-category": low and high explosives. The third are known as initiators. These are well suited to "initiating" low or high explosives to reach their chain reaction.
Low explosives can be explained as a rapid burn or deflagration.
The explosion is propagated by a “flame” front that travels relatively slowly through the material.
On the other hand, high explosives are detonations.
The explosion of a high explosive involves a rapidly expanding shockwave front that travels at extremely high speeds, usually kilometers per second. This is the detonation.