2. Conventional energy materials

Energetic materials are substances whose decomposition is highly exothermic. Conventional" materials fall into 2 categories:

• explosives ;

• propellants and other pyrotechnic substances.

• Explosives release – if the conditions are right – their energy in a very short time (μs) thanks to a very rapid chemical reaction known as "detonation".

  Decomposition generates a large volume of gas, a high temperature and a sudden rise in pressure.

• Propellants release their energy by deflagration. The combustion of propellants releases a very large quantity of gas at high temperature, making them particularly interesting for propulsion and actuation.

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