Triggering sequence
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A triggering sequence, also called an explosive train, is a sequence of events that culminates in the detonation of explosives. This is a method a terrorist organisation might use to detonate a main explosive charge, because of a lack of a strong enough detonator for the type of explosive being used. The technique is not limited to terrorists, of course. Triggering sequences are used in the mining industry for the detonation of ANFO and other cheap, bulk, and insensitive explosives that can not be fired by only a blasting cap or similar item.
For example, a match will not cause plastic explosive to explode, but it will light a fuse which will detonate a primary explosive that will shock a secondary high explosive and cause it to detonate. In this way, even very insensitive explosives may be used; the primary detonates a "booster" charge that then detonates the main charge.
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