Date Time Research on transition phenomena to aid in improving safety of explosives By packing porous explosive powder in clear polycarbonate tubes and observing the explosions with X-ray imaging and high-speed cameras, Lawrence Livermore and Los Alamos national laboratory researchers have revealed key insights about the transient phenomena that occurs during the deflagration-to-detonation transition process. The findings will help improve understanding of explosives to make them safer for handling, storage and transportation. On Aug. 4, 2020, a massive explosion rocked Lebanon’s capital of Beirut, sending shockwaves through the city and shattering windows, reducing some buildings to rubble and killing at least 200 people. Officials have since traced the blast to a stockpile of more than 2,500 tons of confiscated ammonium nitrate stored in a port warehouse.