Description

This article is from the Model Rockets FAQ, by Wolfram von Kiparski with numerous contributions by others.

1.8 When a consumer rocket motor fails (i.e., CATOs) does it explode or detonate?

To be precise, consumer rocket motors do NOT 'detonate'. Black powder
rocket motors 'deflagrate'. Detonation involves the creation of super-
sonic shock waves. Use the term 'explode' when discussing CATOs involving
split motor casings, holes blown out the sides of models, etc.

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• prev: 1.7 What is a CATO? Is it CATO pronounced KAY-TO or CAT-O?
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• next: 1.9 Why don't I just make my own model rocket motors? Shouldn't I be able to custom-make better, more powerful motors at a cheaper price?