A
detonator is used to trigger
bombs,
shaped charges and other forms of
explosive device[?]. Detonators are often attached to a
timer[?] to ensure that the
explosion takes place at the desired time, or when the person laying the explosives has reached a safe distance from the
blast. Detonators can be chemical, mechanical, or a combination. Many detonators' primary (sensitive to heat and shock) explosive is a material called
tetryl.
In a nuclear weapon a nuclear fission bomb is used as detonater to start nuclear fusion reactions.
See also Explosive material, Fuse, Nuclear weapon design.