We study the gap effect on detonating high explosives using numerical simulation. The characteristic acoustic impedance theory is applied to understand the reflection and transmission phenomena associated with gap test of high explosives and solid propellants. A block of charge with embedded multiple gaps is detonated at one end to understand the ensuing detonation propagation through pores and non uniformity of the tested material. A high-order multimaterial simulation provides a meaningful insight into how material interface dynamics affect the ignition response of energetic materials under a shock loading.