Propellants, explosives and pyrotechnics - or high energy materials (HEMs) to use an umbrella term - have obvious applications in the military sector, but can also be used in a variety of ways in civilian areas such as mining, construction or spacecraft engineering. The discovery of new explosives in the 1980s boosted research and development and paved the way for a systematic, purposeful synthesis of high energy materials.

This handbook and ready reference covers all important HEMs from the 1950s to the present with their respective properties and intended applications. Written at an attainable level for professionals, engineers and technicians alike, the book provides a comprehensive overview of the current status of HEMs and suggests further directions for research and development. An introductory chapter on the chemical and thermodynamic basics allows the reader to become acquainted with the fundamental features of explosives, before moving on to the important safety aspects in processing, handling, transportation and storage of high energy materials. With its collation of results and formulation strategies hitherto scattered throughout the literature, this unique handbook should be on the bookshelf of every HEM researcher and developer.