Detonation

The sudden release of heat energy from fuel in an aircraft engine caused by the fuel-air mixture reaching its critical pressure and temperature. Detonation occurs as a violent explosion rather than a smooth burning process.

Source: Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge (definition from the FAA-H-8083-25B, 2016; current: FAA-H-8083-25C, 2023, with the October 2025 addendum).

Related terms

Glossary last updated 2026-10-28.

#
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
Q
R
S
T
U
V
W
X
Y
Z