Blasting to crush rocks or concrete using thermite reaction mixtures is a promising technique to reduce ground vibrations and noise. In this study, the deflagration propagation speed of a commercial thermite with different charge conditions was investigated using a modified velocity of detonation (VOD) measurement system. As a result, the continuous deflagration of thermite was intimately connected with charging and confining conditions. Therefore, it is important to consider the types of charge and confinement to utilize thermites for applications involving rock and civil engineering.
thermite reaction, rock crushing agent, continuous deflagration, VOD measurement, decoupling charge.