There is a class of non-explosive energetic materials (``ballotechnics``), that undergo rapid shock-induced chemical reactions, but whose products
contain no vapor that can cause a rapid expansion upon pressure release.^The present paper presents a thermochemical model describing such reactions
in terms analogous to detonation.^By contrast, however, the chemical energy in ballotechnics is converted mostly to heat rather than work by the shock
wave, and an unsupported reaction wave will decay.^In the absence of volatiles, there are no large increases in pressure, specific volume, or particle
velocity associated with ballotechnic reactions.^Thus, experimental methods normally applied to high explosives are insensitive, and time-resolved
temperature measurements are the most appropriate.^The pressure-volume-velocity relationships are strongly dependent on small amounts of volatiles
(such as water) when present, but the shock temperature is not.^Thermochemically, the possibility of a true detonation in a volatile-bearing
ballotechnic powder cannot be precluded.^By the same arguments, geochemical detonations in volatile-saturated, supercooled magmas are possible.
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