How does nitroglycerin release so much energy during detonation?
Nitroglycerin releases significant energy during detonation primarily due to its chemical composition and the rapid nature of its decomposition. With the molecular formula , it contains a high concentration of nitrogen (18.5 percent) and possesses sufficient internal oxygen atoms to fully oxidize its own carbon and hydrogen atoms during the reaction.1
When detonation occurs, this internal oxidation process triggers the near-instantaneous liberation of nitrogen gas and the formation of other gaseous products. These gases expand rapidly, occupying more than 1,200 times the original volume of the liquid at room temperature and pressure. Furthermore, the heat released during this reaction raises the temperature to approximately 5,000 °C (9,000 °F). This combination of massive gas expansion and extreme heat generates a detonation wave traveling at roughly 7,700 meters per second, resulting in the instantaneous development of 20,000 atmospheres of pressure.1