Explosives research involves the study of materials and substances that have the ability to rapidly release large amounts of energy in the form of heat, light, sound, and pressure through a chemical reaction. This area of study includes the development of new explosive materials, understanding the mechanisms of explosive reactions, and improving the performance and safety of explosives. Explosives research is important for various applications including mining, construction, military operations, and demolition. Researchers in this field work to enhance the efficiency, reliability, and safety of explosives for these applications.