Detonation - Wikipedia In detonation, the flame front travels through the air-fuel faster than sound; while in deflagration, the flame front travels through the air-fuel slower than sound
Explosions, Deflagrations, and Detonations - NFPA A detonation is an explosion where the flame speed is greater than the speed of sound Detonations are louder and often more destructive than deflagrations While deflagration occurs when a fuel and oxidizer (typically air) mix, a detonation doesn’t always need an external oxidizer
Detonation - AOPA If the temperature and pressure rise too high, however, the controlled burn becomes an explosion, a phenomenon known as detonation This pounds the piston down with much greater force and can cause catastrophic engine damage in minutes