an explosion and a detonation aren't the same, burn rate of a detonation is ~20,000fps and up
Smokeless Powder is absolutely an Explosive.
It is only classified as a propellant, but will detonate with a powerful enough detonator.
Bullseye, a double base powder, contains approx. 60% nitrocellulose and 40%NITROGLYCERINE.
So don't fool yourself into thinking that smokeless powders cannot detonate.
Even single base powders, containing no nitroglycerine, can detonate.
In a confined space.
Semantics.
It should remain classified as a propellant, in real world situations, that is how it behaves.
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Smokeless powders, or propellants, are essentially mixtures of
chemicals designed to burn under controlled conditions at the proper
rate to propel a projectile from a gun.
All smokeless powders are extremely flammable; by design, they are
intended to burn rapidly and vigorously when ignited.
Ignition occurs when the powder granules are heated above their
ignition temperature. This can occur by exposing the powder to:
1. A flame such as a match or a primer flash.
2. An electrical spark or the sparks from welding, grinding, etc.
3. Heat from an electric hot plate or a fire directed against or near
a closed container even if the powder itself is not exposed to
the flame.
Smokeless powder does not detonate like high explosives as it has
a controlled rate of burn and differs considerably in its burning char-
acteristics from common “black powder.” Black powder burns at
essentially the same rate out in the open (unconfined) as when in a
gun.
If burning smokeless powder is confined, gas pressure will rise and
eventually can cause the container to burst. Under such circum-
stances, the bursting of a strong container creates effects similar to
an explosion.
an explosion and a detonation aren't the same, burn rate of a detonation is ~20,000fps and up