Detonation velocity refers to the speed at which a shock wave travels through an explosive material when it detonates. This velocity is crucial for understanding how quickly and effectively an explosive can release energy, impacting its destructive potential. Higher detonation velocities typically indicate more powerful explosives, making this measurement important in fields like military applications and demolition. The detonation velocity is influenced by various factors, including the chemical composition of the explosive and its density. For example, TNT and RDX are common explosives with distinct detonation velocities, which affect their suitability for different uses in construction or warfare.