Deflagration is characterized by what?

Deflagration is characterized by a combustion process that occurs at a speed slower than the speed of sound. In the context of fire science and explosion terminology, deflagration refers to a type of rapid reaction that produces pressure waves through a medium at subsonic speeds. This is in contrast to detonation, where the reaction occurs at supersonic speeds, resulting in a much more violent and destructive force.

In fire investigations, understanding the difference between deflagration and detonation is crucial because it affects the behavior of the fire and the characteristics of the explosion. Deflagrations typically generate heat and pressure that increase gradually, allowing for more manageable containment, while detonations can lead to abrupt and catastrophic results that are more difficult to control.

This distinction is vital for fire investigators when analyzing the dynamics of explosions and assessing safety measures during incident responses.