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Explosives & Propellants Flashcards

1
Q

What is ASA composition made up of and what %?

A

Lead azide 68%
Lead styphnate 29%
Aluminium powder 3%

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2
Q

What are the two types of explosive initiators?

A

Detonators

Ignitors

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3
Q

Primary/initiatory definition?

A

Substance or mixture of substances used to initiate a detonation or a burning reaction.

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4
Q

5 Primary explosive characteristics?

A 
Stability over long storage periods 
Optimum sensitivity to applied stimulus 
Optimum output of the required kind
Compatibility with materials
Safety in loading and handling
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5
Q

3 Means of initiation?

A

Heat
Shock
Friction

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6
Q

2 explosive initiators?

A

Detonators

Ignitors

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7
Q

7 initiators types?

A
  • Conducting composition igniters and detonators
  • hot bridge wire igniters and detonators
  • exploding bridge wire detonators
  • Pyrotechnic igniters
  • percussion igniters
  • stab igniters and detonators
  • flash receptive detonators
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8
Q

6 Primary explosive compounds?

A 
Lead azide
Lead styphnate
Lead dinitro rescorcinate 
PETN
Von Herz mixture 
ASA compound
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9
Q

What is the abbreviation for composition explosives?

A

CE

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10
Q

Is the dust or explosive residue hazardous to health?

A

Yes

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11
Q

Propellants are classed as low explosive name two others?

A

Gunpowder

Pyrotechnics

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12
Q

HE definition?

A

Any explosive which once initiated decomposes almost instantaneously into its original molecular structure by the passage of a detonation wave through it, with a subsequent production of heat and gases and the liberation of great energy.

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13
Q

Detonation definition?

A

An extremely rapid chemical change with the evolution of heat and gas, accompanied by a violent disruptive effect and intense blast.

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14
Q

LE definition?

A

An explosive substance, which decomposes rapidly through combustion with the evolution of heat and flash and generates a large quantity of gaseous products burning up to 300m/s

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15
Q

10 types of main HE?

A 
CE - Tetryal
TR1 - tetryl replacement 1
TNT - trinitrotoluene 
RDX - cyclotrimethylenetrinitromine
PETN - pentaerythritol tetranitrate
Picric Acid - trinitrophenol
COMP B - composition B
PE4 - plastic explosive No. 4
C4 - composition 4
HMX - cylotetramethylenetranitramine
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16
Q

What is the purpose of additives used in HE?

A

When added to a basic material or a mixture, confers on it the required degree of sensitivity to shock or friction.

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17
Q

5 purposes of additives used in HE?

A 
Increase sensitivity 
Decrease sensitivity 
Improve stability 
Improve mouldability 
Increase blast effects
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18
Q

How many and what types of desenitizers are used in HE?

A

3
Wax
aluminium
TNT

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19
Q

What are the 4 advantages of adding aluminium to HE?

A
  • Takes no part in the initial stages of detention
  • absorbs energy and lessons the release
  • reinforcing action due to exothermic (produces heat and energy) interaction with some gaseous products of explosion
  • increases blast effect
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20
Q

Sensitivity definition?

A

Sensitivity is the property which all explosives possess of being brought to functioning by blow or friction

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21
Q

Figure of insensitivity ( F of I )?

A

Used to indicate if an explosive is safe to store, transport and use

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22
Q

4 main types of phlegmatizing?

A

Wax
Oil
Alcohol
Water

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23
Q

Phlegmatizing mean?

A

A term applied to an explosive that has had an agent added to stabilize or desensitize it.

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24
Q

Purpose of sensitisers?

A

When added to a basic material or a mixture, confers on it the required degree of sensitivity to shock or friction

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25
Q

2 factors effecting sensitivity?

A

Increased with temperature
Requirement of sensitisers
- most explosives require to be desensitised for use in most Ammunition

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26
Q

Wax is a desensitiser, it increases insensitivity by?

A

Lowering the figure of power ( F of P )
And
The velocity of detonation ( V of D )

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27
Q

Explosives can be desensitised by adding less sensitive explosives name 1?

A

TNT

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28
Q

Aluminium is used in what 5 ?

A 
Mines
Grenades 
Aircraft bombs
Torpedos 
Anti armour projectiles
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29
Q

Disadvantages of aluminium?

A

Very hygroscopic
Gives off hydrogen gas
Can build up gas in the item
Tendency to settle out of explosive

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30
Q

Settling out of additives in explosives can be overcome by adding what 2?

A

Carbon black

Lecithin

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31
Q

4 types of plasticisers?

A

Non energetic
Energetic
Non reactive
Reactive

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32
Q

Plasticisers improve what?

A

Suitability for use of some explosives as fillings or provide mouldability for specialised use

Improves flexibility, especially at low temperatures

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33
Q

What are the 2 types of taggants?

A

Detection taggants

Identification taggants

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34
Q

Propellant definition?

A

An explosive which by controlled burning provides the gas pressure required to give motion to a projectile or missile

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35
Q

Main ingredient in single based propellant?

A

NC

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36
Q

4 Advantages of double based propellant?

A

Higher energy rating
Easily ignited
Higher flame temperature
Higher burn rate

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37
Q

8 additives used in propellant?

A 
Coolant
Stabiliser
Plasticiser
Moderant
Flash inhibitor
Decoppering agent
Antiwear additive
Surface lubricants
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38
Q

9 properties of idle propellant?

A
  • Acceptable high energy/bulk ratio
  • Predictable burning rate over a wide range of pressures
  • acceptably low flame temperature
  • capability of being easily and rapidly ignited
  • Acceptably low sensitiveness to all other possible causes of initiation
  • cheap, easy, and rapid manufacture and blending
  • long shelf life under environmental conditions
  • minimum tendency to produce flash or smoke
  • minimum tendency to produce toxic fumes
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39
Q

Together with calorimetric value and rate of burning what determines the rate of gas evolution during burning?

A

The size and shape of the propellant

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40
Q

Pioneers law rate equals what?

A

Burning coefficient X pressure to the power of pressure index

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41
Q

2 categories of propellant?

A

Liquid

Solid

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42
Q

2 types of liquid propellant?

A

Mono propellant

Bi propellant

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43
Q

Solid propellant can be divided into 2 types?

A

Colloidal

  • single
  • double
  • and triple based

Composite

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44
Q

Single based propellant is made up of what?

A

NC

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45
Q

Single based propellant advantages (3)?

A
  • Cooler burning
  • Generates less flash then cordite
  • Ballistics less effected by change in charge temperature
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46
Q

3 Single based propellant uses?

A

SAA propellants including heavy MG’s
Secondary charges for mortars
Igniters

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47
Q

What does double base propellants consist of?

A

NC

NG

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48
Q

5 Single based propellant disadvantages?

A
  • more hygroscopic
  • not easy to ignite
  • less powerful then cordite
  • liable to give sporadic high pressure if ignition is defective
  • too brittle to use in cord form
49
Q

4 Double based propellant advantages?

A

Easily ignited
Higher energy rating then single based
Higher flame temperature
Higher burning rate

50
Q

3 double based propellant disadvantages?

A

Can cause excessive weapon erosion
More dangerous to manufacture
More costly to manufacture

51
Q

3 Double propellant uses?

A
  • In cordites
  • In the form of ballistite for primary cartridges in mortars
  • for small arms cartridges where high bulk energies are required
52
Q

Triple based propellants consist of?

A

NC
NG
NQ or picrite

53
Q

3 Triple based propellants properties?

A
  • Normally cooler then double based propellants
  • normally have lower bulk energies than double based propellants
  • more difficult to ignite
54
Q

Triple based propellants uses?

A

In charges for arty pieces and tank guns

55
Q

2 decoppering agents?

A

Tin

Lead

56
Q

3 ways to control the burn rate?

A

Propellant composition
Shape of propellant
Size of propellant

57
Q

3 types of burning rates?

A

Degressive
Neutral burning
Progressive burning

58
Q

Degressive burning shapes?

A

Cord
Flake
Strip/ribbon

59
Q

What is degressive burning?

A

Total surface area decreases as the propellant burns

60
Q

What is neutral burning?

A

External surface decreases at the same rate that internal surface increases during burning

61
Q

Neutral burning shapes?

A

Tubular
Cogged
Star centre

62
Q

What is progressive burning?

A

Total surface area increases during burning?

63
Q

Progressive burning shapes?

A

Rosette

Multi tubular

64
Q

What is the 3 Roles of illuminating compositions?

A
  • to provide a steady source of light to illuminate targets for visual or photographic reconnaissance purposes
  • to provide coloured signals which are identifiable against difficult backgrounds at considerable distances
  • to provide fillings suitable for use as tracers in SAA and other direct fire ammunition
65
Q

4 design requirements for illuminating compositions?

A
  • it must burn for the required time
  • must have the appropriate luminosity
  • withstand firing forces ie. tracer
  • the colour of the flame must be correct and as saturated as possible
66
Q

2 purposes of dark ignition?

A
  • to avoid observation by the enemy of the exact location of the weapon
  • to avoid dazzling the gun layers at night when fired from multiple or automatic weapons
67
Q

What is the role of the signal composition?

A

To transmit concise messages through the atmosphere over considerable distances

68
Q

2 types of signal composition?

A
  • those which produce a light of distinctive colour

- those which produce coloured smoke

69
Q

4 design requirements for the tracer composition?

A

Luminosity
Strength
Consistency of performance
Ease of ignition

70
Q

3 chemical constituents?

A

Fuel - magnesium
Oxidant- oxygen supply
Binder - to ensure correct burn time

71
Q

Red colour is produced by?

A

Strontium nitrate

72
Q

Yellow colour produced by?

A

Sodium nitrate

73
Q

Green produced by?

A

Barium nitrate

74
Q

Blue produced by?

A

Copper carbonate

75
Q

White produced by?

A

Barium nitrate/potassium nitrate mixture

76
Q

Orange produced by?

A

Calcium nitrate

77
Q

Role of tracer?

A

Tracer compositions are signal compositions used in projectiles of all nature’s to indicate the trajectory of that Projectile

78
Q

Define igniter composition?

A

Mainly used for propellant or pyrotechnics systems. They produce hot flames, usually accompanied by sparks and hot gases, for relatively short times.

79
Q

Define incendiary composition?

A

Incendiary compositions produce hot flames and a large evolution of heat, together with molten iron when thermite type mixtures are used

80
Q

Delay compositions are used for what?

A

To produce a time interval between two igniting or explosive events

81
Q

2 distinct groups incendiary materials fall into?

A

Metals and alloys

Combustible fluids

82
Q

2 metal most used as incendiary agents?

A

Aluminium

Magnesium

83
Q

5 natures that contain incendiary compositions?

A 
Grenades 
Cannon
SAA
Aircraft bombs
Preset charges
84
Q

3 types of flame and heat producing compositions?

A

Igniter compositions
Priming compositions
Incendiary compositions

85
Q

AS developed propellants are allocated a number which relates to its physical form and its chemical composition what do they mean?

A

Physical shape
Deterrent coating
2 digit number indicating single or double base and specific propellant type

86
Q

Define a pyrotechnic?

A

A pyrotechnic is a chemical or mixture of chemicals which when ignited burn at a controlled rate liberating energy and reactive products which can be converted into the desired effect

87
Q

4 main categories of special effects produced by pyrotechnics?

A

Heat
Light
Smoke
Sound

88
Q

8 pyrotechnic groups?

A 
Illuminating compositions 
Smoke compositions
Signal compositions 
Delay compositions 
Tracer compositions 
Incendiary compositions 
Priming compositions 
Simulators
Pyromechanisms
89
Q

Role of the first fire composition?

A

Acts as the booster between the low energy out put of the initiator and the main composition which may be difficult to ignite

90
Q

WW1 led to a demand for military type pyrotechnics for use as? (4)

A

Incendiary
Smoke
Illumination
Signals

91
Q

Illuminating compositions mainly based on?

A

Magnesium or aluminium with nitrates as oxidants

92
Q

Incendiary compositions two basic groups?

A

Spontaneously burning metals

Combustible fluids

93
Q

Priming compositions should be?

A

Easily ignited
Generate high heat
Not burn too quickly or violently
Be compatible with the mixture used

94
Q

Priming compositions contain?

A

Potassium nitrate
Powdered silicon
Sulphurless medaled gunpowder

95
Q

Pyromechanism group covers?

A

Mechanical actuators
Gas generators
Explosive separators

96
Q

Main fuel used in pyrotechnics?
7 metals
5 non metals

A 
Metals
Aluminium 
Chromium
Iron
Magnesium 
Titanium
Tungsten 
Zirconium 
Non metals
Boron
Silicon
Carbon 
sulphur 
Phosphorus
97
Q

Pyrotechnic oxidising agents? (7)

A 
Chlorates 
Chromates/dichromates
Halocarbons
Iodates 
Nitrates
Oxides
Perchlorates
98
Q

Pyrotechnic binders?

A 
Paraffin wax
Beeswax
Catalina wax
Chinese wax
Boiled linseed oil
Lithographic varnish 
Shellac
Bakelite resin
Polyester resin
Chlorinated rubber
Polyvinyl chloride
Thoikol rubber
Epoxy resin
99
Q

Caps, igniters and detonators may be ignited or initiated by what ways?

A

Mechanical means
-percussion/friction

Electrical means
- bridge wire

Sparking/igniferous
- explosive is receptive to flame and spark

100
Q

Cap (primer) composition mixtures comprise three essential ingredients?

A

The primary explosive
The sensitiser
The oxidiser

101
Q

There are two types of initiators being used?

A

Igniferous

Disruptive

102
Q

Caps/primer metals must have what 3 qualities?

A
  • Expand easily to provide obturation
  • Strong enough to withstand striker blow
  • Contain the explosion of the composition
103
Q

Caps used in what 4 natures?

A 
Mortars
SAA
Arty cartridge cases
Grenades 
Pyrotechnic compositions
104
Q

Main two types of smoke compositions?

A
  • zinc powder and zinc oxide with carbon tetrachloride absorbed on kieselguhr or magnesium carbonate
  • zinc oxide, zinc powder and hexachlorethane
105
Q

Military service has two main requirements for two distinct types of smoke producing munitions?

A

Screening smoke

Signalling smoke

106
Q

The simplest form of pyrotechnic smoke is produced by burning WP in air to form phosphorus pentoxide true or false?

A

True

107
Q

3 main types of EO which has a filling of WP as a screening smoke?

A

Grenades
Mortar bombs
Artillery projectiles

108
Q

Smoke compositions are required for two main purposes?

A

Tactical screening smoke

Signalling smoke

109
Q

5 Ideal properties of smoke?

A
  • Immediate in effect
  • Unaffected as far as possible by climate/ weather
  • persistent
  • non anti personnel
  • non incendiary
110
Q

2 types of screening smoke?

A

Tactical smoke

Defensive smoke

111
Q

Tactical smoke should what 3?

A
  • Denies the enemy observation of troops or installations
  • produced for long periods and not be greatly affected by climate or weather
  • no requirement for screen to build up rapidly but screen should remain close to ground
112
Q

Defensive smoke should what 3?

A
  • used to hide our troops in a emergency situation
  • screen build up very rapidly
  • without harassing personnel nor a fire risk
113
Q

2 screening smoke agents?

A

WP

Berger compositions

114
Q

3 Advantages of WP?

A

Immediate effect on burning
Excellent screen produced
No priming or ignition devices required

115
Q

6 Disadvantages of WP?

A
  • Pillaging effect on burning
  • Severe burns
  • Harassing effect on eyes,nose and throat
  • fire risk
  • expensive method of filling
  • isolation in storage and transportation
116
Q

Explosion definition?

A

An explosion is the violent and rapid decomposition of energetic material to produce energy (heat) and gas which will lead to violent pressure rupturing any confining structure

117
Q

Explosive definition?

A

An explosive is a substance manufactured with a view to producing an explosion or pyrotechnic effect. An explosive atmosphere of gas vapour or dust is not considered to be an explosive

118
Q

Deflagration definition?

A

Is a technical term describing subsonic combustion that usually propagates through thermal conductivity

119
Q

Detonation definition?

A

Involves a supersonic exothermic front accelerating through a medium that drives a shock front propagating directly in front of it

AT (2 decks)

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