The typical blast wave of a thermobaric weapon lasts significantly longer than that of a conventional explosive. The initial explosive charge detonates as it hits its target, opening the container and dispersing the fuel mixture as a cloud. They are, however, considerably more effective when used in enclosed spaces such as tunnels, buildings, and non-hermetically sealed field fortifications ( foxholes, covered slit trenches, bunkers).
Their reliance on atmospheric oxygen makes them unsuitable for use under water, at high altitude, and in adverse weather.
Most conventional explosives consist of a fuel– oxidizer premix, but thermobaric weapons consist only of fuel and as a result are significantly more energetic than conventional explosives of equal weight. Aftermath of explosion, with unburned flour on the ground
