Editing Detonating cord (section)

{{Short description|Thin explosive tube}}
{{refimprove|date=July 2009}}
[[File:US Marines 100830-M-DX861-005 detonation cord.jpg|thumb|Reinforced detonation cord filled with pentaerythritol tetranitrate (PETN)]]
[[File:US Navy 090701-N-5710P-017 Navy explosive ordnance disposal technicians double strand detonation cord before making an overpressure charge during a live demolition demonstration during exercise Infinite Response '09.jpg|thumb|[[United States Navy]] [[Bomb disposal|explosive ordnance disposal]] technicians double stranding detonation cord]]

'''Detonating cord''' (also called '''detonation cord''', '''detcord''', '''detacord''', '''blasting rope''', or '''primer cord''') is a thin, flexible plastic tube usually filled with [[pentaerythritol tetranitrate]] (PETN, pentrite). With the PETN [[Explosion|exploding]] at a rate of approximately {{Convert|6400|m/s|abbr=on}}, any common length of detonation cord appears to explode instantaneously. It is a high-speed [[fuse (explosives)|fuse]] which explodes, rather than [[Deflagration|burns]], and is suitable for detonating [[Explosive material#High explosives|high explosive]]s. The [[detonation velocity]] is sufficient to use it for synchronizing multiple charges to detonate almost simultaneously even if the charges are placed at different distances from the point of initiation. It is used to reliably and inexpensively chain together multiple explosive charges. Typical uses include [[mining]], [[drill]]ing, [[demolition]]s, and warfare.

"[[Cordtex]]" and "[[Primacord]]" are two of many [[trademark]]s which have slipped into use as a [[Generic trademark|generic]] term for this material.