The present level of scientific advancement and technological innovations would not have been possible without fires, explosions and detonations; however, they also cause panic, fright and destruction. A large amount of scientific research work therefore continues on understanding, controlling and utilizing fires, explosions and detonations for the different applications. The recent wild forest fires, explosions and fires in hospitals and detonations from unintended sources have also motivated further work on mitigating their destructive influences.Afundamental study of the different ignition sources bringing about fires, explosions and detonations is presented in this book. Thermal, mechanical, chemical, electromagnetic radiation, electrostatic and shock wave energy sources are reviewed and their ability to initiate burning, explosions and detonations in solid, liquid and gaseous combustibles are dealt with. The confinement of the combustible plays a major role in its ignition and is considered for initiation of fires, explosions and detonations. The mitigation of explosions and detonations from the threats or insults of unintended ignition sources is also discussed. The book could serve as an invaluable reference for students in mechanical, aerospace, chemical and petroleum engineering specializing in combustion, detonation, explosions and safety. Working professionals involved in the manufacture, handling and application of high-energy materials for energy generation, propulsion and related areas and military and civilian personnel working in aerospace, mechanical, marine and chemical engineering would also find the book to be relevant and useful. Contents 1. Preliminary concepts and introduction 2. Thermal ignition energy sources 3. Chemical ignition energy sources 4. Electrostatic ignition energy sources 5. Shock waves as ignition sources 6. Electromagnetic radiation ignition sources 7. Formation of fires and explosions in solid combustibles 8. Detonation of solid explosives 9. Ignition of liquid fuels and explosives 10. Ignition sources for confined and unconfined gaseous combustibles 11. Unanticipated thermal ignition sources and threats 12. Shock wave and impact threats for solid explosives. About the Author K. Ramamurthi obtained Ph. D in Mechanical engineering in 1976 from McGill University, Montreal after a Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering from Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore in 1970. He worked in the Indian Space Research Organization and at Indian Institute of Technology, Madras. He has taught the subjects of Thermodynamics, Combustion, Propulsion, Instabilities, Gas Dynamics and Explosion and Safety and has guided the research work of students. He has been on several National and International Committees and Panels on Propulsion, Combustion, and Shock waves and Chairman of the Combustion, Detonics and Shock Wave Panel of the Defense Research and Development Organization. He is an elected Honorary Fellow of the High Energy Materials Society of India.