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ATO Course Completed > Summative 1 - Explosives and propellants > Flashcards

Summative 1 - Explosives and propellants Flashcards

1
Q

Define an initiator/primary explosive?

A

A substance, or mixture of substances used to initiate a detonation or a burning reaction.

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2
Q

List the required characteristics of an initiator/primary explosive?

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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3
Q

What are the two types of explosive initiators?

A

Detonators and Igniters

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4
Q

List the types of explosive initiators

A
  • Flash receptive detonators
  • stab igniters and detonators
  • percussion igniters
  • conduction composition igniters and detonators
  • hot bridge wire igniters and detonators
  • Exploding bridge wire detonators
  • Pyrotechnic igniters
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5
Q

Primary explosive compounds include?

A 
Lead Azide
Lead Styphnate
Lead Dinitro resorcinate
PETN
Von Herz Mixtures
ASA compound
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6
Q

List characteristics of Lead Azide?

A
  • F of I: 15 -20
  • Good shelf life
  • unstable in presence of moisture, oxidising agents and ammonia
  • More sensitive to friction than impact
  • Used in conjunction with aluminium or Lead styphnate
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7
Q

Characteristics of lead styphnate?

A
  • F of I = 12
  • Sensitive to discharge of static electricity
  • easily ignited by flame
  • stable at room and elevated temperature
  • used in conjunction with aluminium and lead azide(ASA)
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8
Q

Characteristics of Lead Dinitro Resorcinate?

A
  • Weak initiator
  • High sensitivity to friction or stab
  • less sensitive to impact
  • used in priming composition and electrical igniters
  • Found in primers
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9
Q

Characteristics of PETN

A
  • F of I = 50
  • Sensitive to impact
  • used in conjunction with TNT (Pentolite)
  • Classified as a secondary explosive
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10
Q

Explain Characteristics of Von Herz mixtures

A
  • Proposed due to the removal of Mercury Fulminate due to toxicity
  • Replaced by Lead styphnate
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11
Q

Composition and Characteristics of ASA, and its in-service uses?

A
  • F2 detonator (an ASA detonator) consists of:
    • Lead azide at 68%
    • Lead Styphnate at 29%
    • Aluminium powder at 3%
  • Used in military detonators
  • Excellent initiator of CE/Det cord
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12
Q

What is the F of I range of primary explosives?

and is lower or higher more sensitive?

A

F of I of 1-50
Det cord at 50 is a secondary explosive

Lower is more sensitive.

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13
Q

Definition of a high explosive?

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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14
Q

Definition of detonation?

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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15
Q

Definition of low explosive?

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 rate up to 300m/s.

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16
Q

Main difference between HE and low explosive?

A

Whether or not the speed (velocity of detonation in m/s) of decomposition is greater than the speed of sound (supersonic) in that material.

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17
Q

Speak to the detonation/ignition of low explosives?

A
  • Rate of decomposition is slower than the speed of sound
  • decomposition is propagated by a flame front, which travels slower than a supersonic shock wave (HE).
  • Depending on degree of confinement, it is possible for low explosive deflagrate very quickly, producing an effect similar to detonation.
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18
Q

Speak to the detonation for HE?

A
  • HEs are explosive materials where the speed of decomposition is greater than the speed of sound, resulting in a detonation rather then deflagration
  • The explosive shock front passes through the material at supersonic speed
  • speed results in a greater release of energy compared to low explosives
  • speed of propagation normally referred to in m/s, military HE often in excess of 7000m/s
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19
Q

What are common uses of the Low Explosive, Gunpowder?

A

Used extensively in igniters, primers, tubes, fuzes, blank charges, FBT, ejection charges in carrier projectiles and even as a demolition (quarrying) explosive to break rock.

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20
Q

Low explosives: List some propellants and its benefit/characteristics.

A
  • Gunpowder, smokeless, solid or liquid.
  • regularity of burning produces a moderately high and sustained gas pressure in a bore or rocket motor, thereby steadily applying acceleration to a projectile.
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21
Q

Low explosives: List uses and characteristics of pyrotechnics

A
  • Low explosive stores generally containing combustible materials
  • used for smoke screens, signalling or illumination, and BMS
  • Can break a container if sufficiently confined, however will not lead to a supersonic shockwave.
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22
Q

List main types of Low explosive?

A

Gunpowder
Propellants
pyrotechnics

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23
Q

List types of high explosives?

A
  • Composite explosive (CE) - Tetryl
  • Tetryl replacement 1 (TR1)
  • Trinitrotoluene- TNT
  • RDX
  • PETN
  • Picric Acid
  • Composition B (COMB B)
  • Plastic explosive No.4 (PE4)
  • Composition 4 - C4
  • HMX
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24
Q

List characteristics of Composite Explosive (CE) Tetryl?

A

An intermediary high explosives which is used to boost less sensitive explosives

The US term is Tetryl

CE has been replaced by TR1

VoD - 7500 m/s

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25
Q

List characteristics of Tetryl Replacement 1 (TR1)?

A

Normally used as an intermediary to boost less sensitive explosives

RDX 98.75% & polyethylene wax 1.25%

Introduced into service as a composition explosive (CE) Tetryl

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26
Q

List characteristics of Trinitrotoluene -TNT?

A

Good all round HE

Usually combined with RDX or CE.

Figure of Insensitivity 150.

VoD - 6950 m/s

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27
Q

List characteristics of RDX?

A

Relatively insensitive to a blow or friction

Figure of Insensitivity 80

Common filling for projectiles

Used in the manufacture of Plastic Explosives where gelatin and plasticisers are added.

VoD - 8450 m/s

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28
Q

List characteristics of PETN

A

High Explosive used as an intermediary explosive

Comes in powder form and currently used in det cord

Slightly more sensitive than RDX but with similar properties.

VoD - 8300 m/s

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29
Q

List characteristics of Picric Acid?

A

Discovered by Auguste Laurent in 1841

First used as a yellow dye. Has also been used as an antiseptic

French used it as a projectile filling about 1885 and later by the British until superseded by TNT during WW1.

The Japanese used it extensively during WW2 as projectile filling and the Germans to a lesser extent.

Very acidic explosive which gave rise to the formation of sensitive crystal salts as the explosive aged

Was used for the manufacture of Explosive D (Dunnite), that formed the main fill in some armour piercing projectiles.

VoD - 6800 m/s

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30
Q

List characteristics of Composition B (COMP B)

A

RDX 59.5% / TNT 39.5% / Wax 1%

Primarily used in military ammunition for Demolition Charges, Mines, Projectile fillings and Depth Charges

Most common type used in Australian HE Ammunition.

VoD - 7800 m/s

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31
Q

List characteristics of plastic explosive No.4 (PE4)

A

RDX 88% / Plasticiser and other ingredients 12%

HE with a high V of D.

Developed so that explosive could be brought into intimate contact with the surface under attack.

Has a consistency of putty and may be molded into any shape

VoD - 8200 m/s

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32
Q

List characteristics of Composition 4 (C4)?

A

RDX 91% / Plasticisers and other ingredients 9%

Similar properties to PE4

Used by US military as their primary plastic explosive.

VoD - 7500 m/s

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33
Q

List Characteristics of HMX?

A

Derivative of RDX

About 4 times the cost of RDX / More powerful HE

Special purposes such as main filling for Rocket Warheads

Not in artillery projectiles due to its sensitivity to impact or friction.

VoD - 9120 m/s

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34
Q

What are explosives mixed with HMX called? list an example.

A

HMX combined with other explosives are known as OCTOLS:

HMX 70% / TNT 30% is known as OCTOL

Warhead filling for Rocket 66mm HEAT M72.

VoD - 9120 m/s

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35
Q

What did studies into insensitive munitions lead to?

A

Resulted in a range of Polymer Bonded Explosives (PBXs) which still provide the energetic effect required while drastically reducing the chance of sympathetic detonation of adjacent munitions

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36
Q

List Hazards associated with LE/HE

A

Dust affecting the lungs

Absorption can occur whilst handling NG based explosives causing severe headaches (AN60 Gelignite)

Breaching of fumes after a demolition can cause headaches

Overexposure can cause cyanosis and even sudden death.

Dust from explosives can also cause problems with the digestive system.

Most problems with explosives occur
through prolonged exposure or misuse of
the explosive.

CE (Tetryl) has produced severe dermatitis, which
is one of the reasons that it has now been
replaced by TR1 explosive (98.75% RDX
and 1.25% Wax).

Dangerous compounds may be formed by
the reaction of explosives with the metal
container in which they are stored e.g. Picric

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37
Q

List hazards associated to PETN?

A

Not considered to be dangerous by the inhalation of small amounts because of its low solubility of the compound

A 64mg oral dose in an adult male produced no ill effects.

It has poor penetration through the skin.

Some cases of dermatitis have occurred.

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38
Q

List Hazards associated with RDX?

A

High melting point and is not very volatile

Inhalation of RDX vapour would therefore not be expected to pose problems under normal circumstances.

Using RDX based explosives (PE4/C4) as a fuel to cook is not a normal circumstance.

Reported cases of dermatitis appears to have been caused by impurities within the PE4/C4 instead of RDX.

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39
Q

List hazards associated with service EO?

A

Usually issued wrapped or protected.

Pose no serious threat if not abused/misused.

Hygiene, especially washing of hands after handling
explosives, is important.

Using explosives in well ventilated areas should be
always observed.

Remember that data supplied is not by any means
exhaustive, so even though a hazard my not have been identified, good hygiene practices reduce the chance of an adverse effect.

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40
Q

Definition of a propellant?

A

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

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41
Q

List the ideal properties of a propellant

A

An acceptable High Energy/Bulk ratio

A predictable burning rate over a wide range of pressures

An acceptably low flame temperature

A capability of being easily and rapidly ignited

An acceptably low sensitiveness to all other possible causes of initiation

Cheap, easy and rapid manufacture and blending.

A long shelf-life under all environmental conditions

A minimum tendancy to produce flash or smoke

A minimum tendency to produce toxic fumes.

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42
Q

List factors affecting propellant performance.

A
  • Calorimetric value
  • Density
  • Burning rate and pressure
  • Shape and size
    - Pioberts Law
    - Vielle’s equation
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43
Q

What is calorimetric value?

A
  • the quantity of heat evolved when the propellant is burnt without added oxygen measured in Cal/g.
  • The calorimetric value depends only on the chemical composition of the propellant.
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44
Q

What is Density, in regards to propellant performance, and why is it important?

A

Where volume is a limiting factor, density is an important property of a propellant.

The limited space inside a tank requires a high density propellant, which saves valuable turret space.

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45
Q

Why is burning rate and pressure important in propellant performance?

A
  • The rate of burning effects the surrounding pressure.

- Generally the rate of burning increases with a rise in pressure.

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46
Q

Why is shape and size important for propellant performance?

A

Together with the calorimetric value and rate of burning, the shape and size of the propellant determines the rate of gas evolution during burning.

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47
Q

What are the two categories of propellant?

A

Liquid and solid

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48
Q

List the liquid propellant and their characteristics

A

Monopropellant

  • -Single component substance
  • -Generally ignited by electric means.
Bi Propellant:
-- Fuel and Oxidiser.
-- Injected into combustion chamber.
-- Ignited by own reaction (hypergolic) or ignition
   system (non hypergolic).
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49
Q

List the two types of solid propellant.

A
  • Colloidal: Single, Double, Triple Based

- Composite

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50
Q

What is a colloid and its meaning?

A

The word colloid is derived from the Greek
‘kolla’ meaning glue

It involves the dissolving of the main
ingredient in a geletinised state to form a
colloid.

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51
Q

What is Vieelle’s equation?

A

r = β x Ρ^a

r = rate of burning
β= burning rate coefficient
Ρ= Pressure
α= Pressure index (0.9 for most gun propellants)
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52
Q

Explain the difference between a high mass burning rate, and a low mass burning rate.

A

A high mass burning rate will have a larger peak of pressure sooner, and fall away soon.
In contrast to a low mass burning rate, that will peak later, and slower, and fall away slower.

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53
Q

What are all service propellants currently based on?

A

NC - Nitrocellulose

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54
Q

How is NC manafacured?

A

Cellulose:
Uses plant cell material, derived from cotton or
wood.

Nitration of Cellulose:
Steeping of cotton/wood in Nitric and Sulphuric
Acid.

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55
Q

What are the characteristics of raw NC?

A
  • Creamy white fibers.
  • Porous & hygroscopic.
  • Burns quickly and efficiently.
  • Extremely erosive to weapon systems.
  • Dry NC is sensitive to spark, impact and
    friction.
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56
Q

What are disadvantages of Pure NC?

A
  • Cannot be used as a propellant on its own.
  • Burns far too quickly
  • Inherently unstable due to acid retention
  • Breaks down over time, resulting in increased sensitivity
  • Increased sensitivity can lead to spontaneous combustion
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57
Q

An increase in what element in nitrocellulose increases is power? what other effect does it have?

A

Nitrogen, also increasing decreasing its stability.

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58
Q

What is Nitrocglycerine?

A

NG: Glycerol Trinitrate or Nitroglycerine, is obtained by the reaction between glycerine and a mixture of nitric and sulphuric acids.

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59
Q

Properties of nitroglycerine?

A
  • Colourless oily Liquid, smells of almonds.
  • Very sensitive to impact & friction.
  • Burns with a green flame.
  • Soluble in acetone and alcohol.
  • Will dissolve nitrocellulose of ‘low’ N content.
  • Poisonous handling can cause severe
    headaches (nitro head).
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60
Q

What are the uses of NG?

A

Mixed with diatomaceous earth:
- DYNAMITE

Mixed with a plasticiser:
- Nobel’s 808 (early form of plastic explosive, used
by special operations in WW2).

Mixed with certain NC:
- Blasting Gelatine.

An Ingredient of double base propellant.

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61
Q

List Single base propellants characteristics

A
  • Single base propellants consist largely of NC 12.6-13.4% N
  • Manufacture process largely designed to plasticise the NC
  • dissolved in alcohol, a gelatinised NC produces a dough like substance, which can be extruded.
62
Q

What are the advantages of Single based propellants?

What are the disadvantages?

A

ADV:
- Cooler burning, therefore less erosive.
- Generates considerably less flash than cordite.
- Ballistics less effected by change in charge
temperature.

DIS:
- Generally more hygroscopic, therefore more
subject to ballistic change from atmospheric
conditions.
- Not easy to ignite.
- Less powerful than cordite.
- Liable to give sporadic high pressure if ignition is
defective.
- Too brittle to use in cord form.

63
Q

In what applications are single based propellants used?

A
  • Small Arms propellants, including heavy
    machine guns.
  • Secondary charges for mortars.
  • Igniters.
64
Q

What are the characteristics of double base propellants?

A
  • Double base propellants consist basically of
    NC gelatinised with NG.
  • The NG content normally lies between 30%
    and 60%, depending on the type of propellant.
  • Nitroglycerine is a gelatiniser which dissolves
    nitro cellulose, breaking down its fibres and
    converting it into a homogeneous colloid.
65
Q

What are the advantages and disadvantages of double base propellants?

A

Advantages:

  • Easily ignited.
  • Higher energy rating than single base.
  • Higher flame temperature.
  • Higher burning rate.

Disadvantages:

  • Can cause excessive weapon erosion.
  • More dangerous to manufacture.
  • More costly to manufacture.
66
Q

What are the advantages and disadvantages of double base propellants?

A

Advantages:

  • Easily ignited.
  • Higher energy rating than single base.
  • Higher flame temperature.
  • Higher burning rate.

Disadvantages:

  • Can cause excessive weapon erosion.
  • More dangerous to manufacture.
  • More costly to manufacture.
67
Q

What are some common uses of double base propellants?

A
  • In cordites
  • In the form of ballistite for primary cartridges
    in mortars.
  • For small arms cartridges where high bulk
    energies are required.
68
Q

What are the characteristics of triple based propellants?

A
  • Heterogeneous in nature.
  • They consist essentially of a gel of NC and
    NG, in which nitroguanidine (picrite) is
    suspended in fine particulate form.
  • The picrite content of these propellants
    normally lies between 40% and 55%.
69
Q

What are the properties of a triple base propellant?

A
  • Triple based propellants are normally cooler than double-based propellants: therefore muzzle flash is reduced
  • Triple-based propellants normally have lower bulk energies than double-based propellants
  • They are more difficult to ignite
70
Q

What common military use for a triple base propellant?

A

Charges for tank and artillery rounds

71
Q

What are composite propellants?

A
  • Composite propellants or high energy
    propellants, have been manufactured due to
    the difficulty in manufacturing double base
    rocket and rocket motor propellants in large
    grains.
  • Composite propellants do not contain NC,
    but are a physical mixture of fuel and
    oxidant, with binders.
72
Q

List eight additives of propellants

A

Stabilisers

Plasticisers

Coolants

Surface moderants

Surface lubricants

Flash inhibitors

De-coppering agents

Anti wear additives

73
Q

What are three ways of controlling burn rate?

A

Propellant composition.

Shape of propellant.

Size of propellant.

74
Q

What are the three burning rates?

A

Degressive burning.

Neutral burning (constant burning).

Progressive burning.

75
Q

Explain degressive burning, its applications, and list three shapes which help cause it.

A
  • Total surface area decreases as the
    propellant burns.
  • Evolution of gases is greater at first and then
    falls during burning.

Uses:

  • SAA
  • Mortar
  • RKT Boost Motors

Shapes - Cord, Flake, Strip/Ribbon

76
Q

Explain Neutral burning, its applications, and shapes that help cause it?

A 
- External surface decreases at same rate
that internal surface increases during
burning.
- Evolution of gases constant throughout
burning.
  • Used in rocket motors.

Shapes: Tubular, cogged, star centre,

77
Q

Explain Progressive burning, its applications and the shapes that help cause it

A
  • Total surface area increases during
    burning.
  • Evolution of gases increases throughout
    burning.

Uses:

  • High velocity ammo
  • Artillery
  • tank

Shapes: Rosette, multi-tubular

78
Q 
Propellant Code (AS)
Prefixed AR (Australian Rifle), then 4 numbers
denoting what?
A

First digit: Physical shape

Second digit: Deterrent coating

Third and fourth digits: 2 digit number indicating single or double based and specific propellant type.

79
Q

Explain at least three of the additives and their functions.

A 
Plasticisers - Increase moldability
Stabilisers
Sensitisers
De-Sensitisers
Taggants
Aluminium
80
Q

There are at least 15 propellant shapes, list them, draw at least 6.

A 
Cord
Tubular
Slotted Tubular
Multi Tubular
Rosette
Strip/Ribbon
Flake
Scroll
Ball Powder
Drilled Tube
Slotted Groove Tube
Star Centred Tube
Cruciform
Cogged
Axial Drilled
81
Q

What is the role 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.

82
Q

What are the implementations for illumination composition?

A

Illuminating shell and mortar bombs.

Cartridges for use with signal pistols.

Flares for photographic purposes.

Trip wire flares.

The tracers or flares in SAA and GW to assist
in observation fire.

83
Q

What are the design requirements for illum compositions?

A

Must burn for the correct time.

Must have the correct luminosity.

Withstand firing forces ie . tracer

84
Q

What are the principal consideration for the development of an illum comp for a specific role?

A

The rate of burning and the specific intensity.

85
Q

What are the chemical constituents of illum comps?

A

Fuel:
Normally magnesium.

Oxidant:
Supplies the oxygen needed for the burning
of the fuel.
– The two main oxidants used are:
Barium nitrate/potassium nitrate mixture for
white light.
– Sodium nitrate for yellow light.

Binding agents:

  • Provide cohesion of materials,
  • protection for magnesium powder corrosion
  • modification of rate of burning
  • enhance colour or luminosity of flame,
  • modify the sensitivity of the mixture
86
Q

What are the most common binding materials?

A

Lithographic varnish

Axaroid resin

polyester resin

thiokol rubber

Calcium oxalate is added to control the rate of burning

87
Q

What is the role of signal compositions?

A

To transmit concise messages through the
atmosphere over considerable distances.

Two types:

Those which produce a light of distinctive
colour.

Those which produce coloured smoke.

88
Q

Design requirements for signalling compositions?

A

Must burn for the correct time.

Must have the appropriate luminosity.

Measured in candela.

The colour of the flame must be correct “in
hue” (exact colour) and as saturated as
possible.

89
Q

Chemical constituents of signalling compositions?

A

Fuel – normally magnesium.

Oxidant - oxygen supply.

Binder – required to ensure correct burn time is achieved.

May also use coloured dyes.

90
Q

Factors affecting intensity of an illum composition?

A 
The intensity of white light provided by the
magnesium is reduced to a minimum by:
- Reducing the proportion of magnesium.
- Including a carbonaceous fuel such as.
- Lactose.
- Starch.
- Sucrose.
- Shellac.
- Ivory nut powder.
91
Q

What are the most used signalling compositions colour producers?

A

Red:
Strontium nitrate, oxalate.

Yellow:
Sodium nitrate.

Green:
Barium nitrate, chlorate.

Blue:
Copper carbonate, chloride, oxychloride.

White:
Barium nitrate/potassium nitrate mixture.

Orange:
Calcium nitrate.

92
Q

Explain the use and deployment of decoy flares?

A

Used to provide a heat signature to counter IR tracking missiles.

Require minimum time from deployment to
maximum temperature.

Usually deployed in pods and can be fired
singly, in series or in bulk.

May also be deployed with chaff flares to
provide radar clutter.

93
Q

What is the role of tracer compositions?

A

Tracer compositions are signal compositions

used in projectiles of all natures to indicate the trajectory of that projectile.

94
Q

What are the design requirements of tracer compositions?

A

Luminosity:
- Bright enough over distances.

Strength:
-Firm in cavity so flash from propellant does
not consume composition too quickly.

Consistency of performance:
- Must maintain luminosity for determined
period of time.

Ease of ignition:
- Easily ignited by propellant flash.

95
Q

What are the chemical constituents of tracer compositions?

A 
Combustible agent (fuel):
Magnesium.

Oxidant:
Nitrates produce oxygen.

Binding agent:
Beeswax, shellac.

Colour producer:

  • Barium nitrate: Green.
  • Sodium nitrate: Yellow.
  • Strontium nitrate: Red.
96
Q

What is dark ignition?

A

Ideally tracers should not be visible by
gunner/firer until projectile travelled approx
100 200m from bore:

  • To avoid observation of exact location of
    weapon.
  • To avoid dazzling the gun layers at night
    when fired from multiple and automatic
    weapons.
97
Q

What is a dim tracer?

A

Dim Tracer emits light with a wavelength of 0.7 - 0.8 μm (infrared wavelength) and is visible only by using Night Vision Goggles.

Composition made up of:
Barium Peroxide 40%.
Strontium Peroxide 40%.
Calcium Resinate 10%.
Magnesium Carbonate 10%.
98
Q

What are the three specific groups of flame and heat producing compositions?

A

Igniter compositions.

Priming compositions.

Incendiary compositions.

99
Q

Define igniting compositions.

A

A Pyrotechnic Composition used in propellant
or pyrotechnic systems.

They produce hot flames, usually accompanied by sparks and hot gases, for
relatively short times.

100
Q

Define a priming composition?

A

A Pyrotechnic Composition that produces
hot slags, sometimes without the production
of gas.

101
Q

What three groups that igniters or primers fall into?

A

Gunpowder of differing fineness.

Organic substances combined with
oxidants (usually potassium or barium
nitrates).

Mixtures that produce slag with little or
no gas (metal powders & oxidants).
102
Q

What are the characteristics of igniters/priming compositions?

A

Are easily ignited by flame or flash.

Do not burn too quickly or violently.

Generate a large amount of heat.

Be compatible with the mixture with which
they are to be used.

Produce some solids of combustion.

Not be unduly sensitive to impact or shock.

103
Q

What is delay composition?

What are the two type?

A

To provide a pyrotechnic delay between two
igniting or explosive events.

All accurate pyrotechnic delays are trains of
composition, which burn in cigarette fashion
from one end to the other.

Types:
Gas producing or gas-less

104
Q

What are the factors affecting delay compositions?

A

Chemical nature

Purity

Physical form

Uniformity of blending

Temperature/Pressure

105
Q

What is an incendiary composition?

A

A Pyrotechnic Composition which produce hot flames and large evolution of heat.

Can produce molten iron slag when Thermite
mixtures are used.

106
Q

What are the ideal characteristics of incendiaries?

A

Should produce hot molten mass or
persistent flame effect.

Heat must not be released or liberated
too quickly.

Difficult to extinguish.

Produce maximum heat from minimum
weight.

107
Q

What is heat of combustion?

A

Heat of combustion is the amount of heat
evolved in the combustion of one mol of a
substance with oxygen at constant pressure.

108
Q

List some typical materials and their heats of combustion?

“Back end of what you want to learn” - Glenn

A

Aluminium 7000cal/g

Magnesium 6000cal/g

Thermite 790cal/g

Potassium 1240cal/g

Sodium 2170cal/g

Phosphorous 5900cal/g

Carbon Disulphide 3250 cal/g

Turpentine 10830 cal/g

Naphthalene 9168 cal/g

Hydrocarbons Gels (e.g. Napalm) 10000 to 11000 cal/g

109
Q

List some types of EO that may contain incendiaries.

A

Types of EO that may contain Incendiaries
are:

Grenades

Cannon projectiles

SAA

Aircraft Bombs

Pre-set Charges

110
Q

List the two distinct Incendiary materials and their relevant details

A 
Metals and Alloys:
 - Burn in air with a high heat of combustion and concentrate their heat in a small area. 
- The two metals most useful: 
--Aluminium 
--Magnesium 
as they have:
--High heats of combustion 
--Low melting points

Combustible fluids:

  • Napalm
  • Fougasse – blast/incendiary device.
111
Q

What is useful about white phosphorous?

A

-Few incendiary materials are spontaneously flammable in air.

112
Q

What is an example of a jellied incendiary

A

Jellied incendiaries:

-Aluminium soaps, perspex or rubber

113
Q

Define a igniting composition?

A

A Pyrotechnic Composition used in propellant
or pyrotechnic systems.

They produce hot flames, usually
accompanied by sparks and hot gases, for
relatively short times.

114
Q

What is the definition of a pyrotechnic composition?

A

A pyrotechnic composition is a chemical, or a
mixture of chemicals which when ignited,
burns at a controlled rate liberating energy and producing a reaction which can be converted into the desired effect.

Most can be considered a material capable of
combustion when correctly initiated to produce a special effect.

115
Q

What are the pyrotechnic effects?

A

Heat.
Igniters, incendiaries, delays, metal
producers, heaters.

Light.
Illumination, tracking, signalling and decoy.

Smoke.
Signalling and screening.

Sound.
Signalling and distraction.

116
Q

List the pyrotechnic groups

A

Illuminating Compositions.

Smoke Compositions.

Signal Compositions.

Delay Compositions.

Tracer Compositions.

Incendiary Compositions.

Priming Compositions.

Simulators.

Pyromechanisms.

117
Q

What is the makeup of a pyrotechnic compositions?

A

The basic pyrotechnic composition consists of intimate mixtures of solid fuels and oxidants together with various additives, to ensure burning at a uniform and predictable rate.

Fuels are necessary to provide combustion
and in some cases, to increase the intensity of the resulting luminosity.

Oxidants provide the oxygen necessary for
combustion of the fuel.

In addition there are binders which improve
cohesion of powdered ingredients.

There are also elements added to protect
metal powders from corrosion, and to reduce
the sensitiveness of compositions to impact
and shock.

118
Q

List the main fuels for pyro compositions?

Glen: “I would first learn that there are metals and non metals - then learn one or two?”

A 
Metals:
Aluminium.
Chromium
Iron.
Magnesium.
Titanium.
Tungsten.
Zirconium.
Non Metals:
Boron.
Silicon.
Carbon.
Sulphur
Phosphorus.
119
Q

List some oxidizing agents for pyro compositions.

A 
Chlorates.
Chromates / Dichromates (salts).
Halocarbons (Halogen/Carbon bond).
Iodates.(Iodine bonded by 3 oxygen atoms)
Nitrates.
Oxides.
Perchlorates.
120
Q

List some binders for pyro compositions?

A 
Natural:
Paraffin Wax
Beeswax
Carauba Wax
Chinese Wax
Boiled Linseed Oil
Lithographic Varnish
Shellac
Man Made:
Bakelite Resin
Polyester Resin
Chlorinated rubber
Polyvinyl chloride
Thoikol Rubber
Epoxy Resin
121
Q

List the 3 properties of pyros

A

Degradation:

  • Susceptible to degradation in storage
  • 2/3 contain formulations that contain fine metals particles that are highly reactive
  • metals often react with moisture, especially saline solutions.

Salt:

  • Metal oxidisers are salts, they may be hygroscopic
  • Finished stores must be sealed
  • if reactive with water,, metal salts will produce hydrogen gas
  • may cause dangerous pressure which may break the integrity of a seal

Impurities:
- Some pyrotechnic items contain impurities that over time can cause changes to performance.

  • Screening Smokes use zinc oxide which reacts with carbon dioxide from the atmosphere forming zinc carbonate resulting in drastic modification of the burning characteristics.
  • Possibility of undesired chemical reactions are prevalent.
  • The end result may not just be degradation of performance, it may be spontaneous ignition.
122
Q

What is the role of a first fire composition?

A

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

Pyrotechnic devices generally consist of the main composition pressed into a container.

On top of this is added a layer of composition that is designed to accept the output of an initiator.

This layer has many names:
First fire.
Igniter.
priming composition.
starter compositions.
123
Q

What are the requirements of a first fire composition?

A

Be capable of igniting the initiator.

Generate a large amount of controlled heat,
not too rapidly or violently.

Not react violently may cause first fire
comp to blow off the main comp causing a
failure in ignition.

Not be too sensitive and should have an
output matched to the main composition.

124
Q

Explain danger markings on pyrotechnics

A

All services adopted common system for marking

The current warning marking is: (in red on white in two places)
DANGER
DO NOT TOUCH
NOTIFY POLICE
(SERVICE OF ORIGIN)
125
Q

What are the means of igniting or initiating cap igniters or detonators?

A

Mechanical means:
Mortar Primary Cart

Electrical means:
Detonators

Igniferous:
Non Elect Det

126
Q

What are caps, also called primers?

What are the used in?

A

Caps, also known as primers a small cup
into which a small amount of sensitive
explosive is pressed.

Metal used must have the following qualities:

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

Used in:

  • mortars
  • SAA
  • Artillery cartridge cases
  • Grenades
  • Pyro comps
127
Q

list characteristics of a mortar primary cartridge

A

 Simple cap and anvil system.
 Cap mounted internally.
 Safer to handle.
 Requires strong blow to unseat plunger.

128
Q

List SAA ignition systems?

A

Three types of ignition system:
 Cap and Integral Anvil (Berdan)
 Cap and Separate Anvil (Boxer)
 Rim Fire

129
Q

List characteristics of an Artillery cartridge case?

A

 Primer contains a cap for initiation.
 Percussion or electrical.
 Cap ignites charge in primer magazine.

130
Q

List the ideal requirements for cap compositions

A

Stability over long storage periods under adverse weather conditions.

Optimum sensitivity to applied stimulus.

Optimum output.

Compatible with materials in contact wit them.

Safety in loading and handling.

Should not contribute to corrosion or erosion.

131
Q

List the ingredients of a cap/primer compositions?

A

Primary Explosive

  • lead styphnate
  • potassium chlorate

Sensitiser

  • powdered glass
  • sulphur

Oxidiser

  • Potassium chlorate
  • barium nitrate
132
Q

define an initiator

A

A small quantity of a heat or shock sensitive
explosive used to start the process of
combustion, explosion or detonation.

Types:
disruptive
igniferous

133
Q

Caps and igniters lesson, Igniferous:

When used in igniters, the function of the
initiator is to ignite?

A

Propellant

Primers

Delay element

Gaines

134
Q

What is the function of disruptive initiators?

A

When used in Detonators the function is to
directly induce detonation in the next
component of the explosive train.

Contains very sensitive HE.
Detonators can be subdivided into:
- Fuze detonators.
- Demolition detonators.

135
Q

Explain detonators - a disruptive initiator

A

Detonators are normally small compared to
the filling that is to be initiated.

Maximum output is required for effective
initiation.

Usually requires a secondary explosive boost.

Requirements / Properties of Disruptive Initiators;
- Violent and high V of D.
- Sensitive to small shock.
- Insensitive to normal handling.
- Stable.
- Minimally affected by moisture and 
  temperature variations
136
Q

What can fuze and demolition detonators be initiated by?

A

Fuze Detonators can be initiated by;

  • Pyrotechnic delay
  • Stab
  • Electrically

Demolition Detonators can be initiated by;

  • Pyrotechnic delay (Fuse Blasting Time)
  • Electrically
  • Shock (Nonel Firing System)
  • Percussion (Booby Trap Devices)
137
Q

What is the purposes of smoke?

A

Tactical Screening Smoke.

Signalling Smoke.

138
Q

What are the ideal properties of smoke compositions?

A

Immediate in effect.

Unaffected as far as possible by climate/weather.

Persistent.

Non Anti Personnel.

Non Incendiary.

139
Q

What are the two types of screening smoke?

A

Tactical or defensive smoke

140
Q

list considerations for tactical smoke

A

Denies the enemy observation of our own
troops or installations, and is usually part of an overall strategy.

Smoke should be produced for relatively 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.

141
Q

List considerations for defensive smoke?

A

Used to hide our troops in a emergency
situation.

Screen is therefore required to build up very
rapidly.

Without harassing personnel or fire risk.

142
Q

Screening agents include?

A

White Phosphorus (WP)

Berger compositions

143
Q

List characteristics of WP

A

Melts at 44 degrees

Burns/oxidises on contact with air.

Ignition temperature of 30 degrees

Producing thick white smoke.

Filling for projectiles and grenades.

Ammunition normally include a small HE
charge to:
-Scatter WP.
-Heat WP to ignition temp.

144
Q

What are the advantages and disadvantages of WP?

A

ADV:
-Immediate effect on burning.

-Excellent screen produced (Excellent
Infra red screening agent).

-No priming or ignition devices required.

DIS
-Pillaring effect on bursting.

  • Severe burns.
  • Harassing effect on eyes, nose and throat.
  • Fire risk.
  • Expensive method of filling.
  • Isolation in storage and transportation.
145
Q

What is red Phosphorous (RP) used for and how is it made?

A

Indicate the point of burst in some HE rounds
and has replaced WP hand grenades in most
forces.

Made by heating WP to 240 o C for several
hours with iodine, then boiling with caustic
soda to remove any remaining WP.

Heated under pressure to 610 o C it reverts to WP.

Heating and pressure is provided by the
detonating of the bursting charge.

146
Q

List the advantages and disadvantages of berger compositions

A

ADV:

  • No pillaring effect.
  • Minimum fire risk.
  • No anti personnel effects (although there can be some issues with prolonged exposure).
  • No harassing effect.
  • Normal filling method.

DIS:
-Requires special priming and ignition
devices.
-Effective screen takes longer to build up.

147
Q

Define how smoke is produced, what types are there?

A

Smoke can be produced by chemical or
pyrotechnic means, as well as by vaporising
mineral oils, which condense in the
atmosphere as droplets.

Chemical, pyrotechnic and other smoke compositions (zinc powders and oxides with HC etc)

148
Q

Which five coloured smokes are currently seen in service?

A 
Orange (sea distress)
red
yellow
blue/voilet
green
149
Q

What is the best way to produced good coloured smokes?

A

By vaporising dyestuffs

150
Q

What are the two types of coloured smoke?

A

Bursting and burning

151
Q

HE additives lesson:

What are the purpose of additives?

A

Increase sensitivity

Improve stability

Increase blast effects

Improve moldability

Decrease sensitivity

152
Q

HE additives lesson:

A

De-sensitizes

Aluminium

stabilisers

plasticisers

Explosive taggants

ATO Course Completed (4 decks)

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