How does dynamite work? Sourced answers please. First good answer gets best answer...?

Question

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Answer 1

Dynamite is an explosive based on the explosive potential of nitroglycerin using diatomaceous earth (Kieselguhr) as an adsorbent. It was invented by Swedish chemist and engineer Alfred Nobel in 1866 and patented in 1867. It is usually sold in the form of a stick roughly eight inches (20 cm) long and one inch (2.5 cm) in diameter but other sizes also exist. Dynamite is considered a "high explosive", which means it detonates rather than deflagrates.

The chief uses of dynamite used to be in construction, mining and demolition. However, newer explosives and techniques have replaced dynamite in many applications. Dynamite is still used, mainly as bottom charge or in underwater blasting. Dynamite has been used in armed conflicts, mainly to destroy bridges and other ways of travel, to slow the advance of supplies or enemy troops. Criminals interested in safe-cracking have deliberately extracted nitroglycerin from dynamite by boiling the sticks and 'skimming' the nitroglycerin as it is forced out.

Dynamite consists of three parts nitroglycerin, one part diatomaceous earth and a small admixture of sodium carbonate. This mixture is formed into short sticks and wrapped in paper. Nitroglycerin by itself is a very strong explosive and in its pure form it is shock-sensitive (i.e., physical shock can cause it to explode), degrading over time to even more unstable forms. This makes it highly dangerous to transport or use in its pure form. Absorbed into diatomaceous earth, nitroglycerin is less shock-sensitive.

Over time, the dynamite will "weep" or "sweat" its nitroglycerine, which can then pool in the bottom of the box or storage area. Crystals will form on the outside of the sticks. This creates a very dangerous situation. While the actual possibility of explosion without a cap is minimal, old dynamite should not be handled. Qualified assistance should be sought immediately.

A priming device is used for initiating dynamite. Device include shell preferably formed of a material in a compartment at one end for housing a sensitive explosive material which is more sensitive than the dynamite to be detonated. Also included in primer units are passageways which is open at both ends of the shell for receiving and housing an electric blasting cap.

Answer 2

as any explosive it deflagrates. this means it produces a large amount of gas when ignited which results in an explosion. If you're willing to know how it ignites the most classic way is fire
since dynamite is a mixture of nitroglycerin soaked up by a dry component (classicly saw dust or cotton) this was done to stabilise the nitroglycerin for use. once a fuse is lit it ignites the dry agent and thus detonates the dynamite. More complexe plastic explosives or TNT requires chemical detonation though mercury or flash powder(can't think of the name right now) sometimes mixed with a secondary explosive to trigger explosion of some highly stable compounds like TNT

Answer 3

Rapid oxidation with the evolution of light and heat.

Answer 4

try this extensive link
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dynamite