Explosives and propellants are termed energetic materials for containing considerable chemical energy which can be converted into rapid expansion. In contrast to simple burning of a fuel, explosives and propellants are self-contained and do not need external supply of oxygen via air. Since their energy content thus inherently creates the risk of accidental triggering of the explosive reaction, proper synthesis, formulation, and handling during production and use are of utmost importance for safety and necessitate specialist knowledge on energetic materials, their characteristics, handling, and applications.

Now in its third edition, the classic on the thermochemical aspects of the combustion of propellants and explosives is completely revised and updated and includes green propellants as new topic. The combustion processes of typical energetic crystalline and polymeric materials and various types of propellants and pyrolants are presented to provide an informative, generalized approach for the understanding of the combustion mechanisms of those materials. The first half of the book represents an introductory text on pyrodynamics, describing fundamental aspects of the combustion of energetic materials. The second half highlights applications of energetic materials as propellants, explosives and pyrolants with focus on phenomena occurring in rocket motors. In addition, the appendix gives a brief overview of the fundamentals of aerodynamics and heat transfer, which is a prerequisite for the study of pyrodynamics.

A detailed reference for readers interested in rocketry or explosives technology.