How does incombustible stemming affect the flame of an explosive?

Incombustible stemming plays a significant role in controlling the behavior of the flame produced by an explosive. When incombustible stemming is used, it serves to absorb and dissipate a portion of the energy released during the explosion. This results in a reduced flame length and duration compared to explosives with combustible stemming materials.

The incombustible nature of the stemming material means that it does not contribute to the combustion process. Instead, it helps to contain the explosion's gases for a shorter time and at a lower energy level, effectively quenching the flame produced during the detonation. Consequently, this leads to a more controlled and safe explosive performance, particularly in applications where minimizing the impact of the explosion is crucial, such as in mining or demolition work. Thus, the correct understanding of the nature of incombustible stemming helps in predicting and managing the explosive outcomes effectively.