6/3/2002: Suicide bomber shrapnel

TheDollyLlama · 06-06-2002, 11:22 PM

the difference between high explosives and low explosives is significant, but generally when we talk about suicide bombs, grenades, artillery, we're talking about high explosives. In general the killing potential from high explosive weapons does not come from the shockwave or the heat energy of the explosive, but rather from the shrapnel which is expelled.

Low explosives are only useful when you can contain the explosion to let it do work for you. Gunpowder is a good example of low explosive.

Only when you get into Nuclear Weapons do the shockwave and heat become significant. Ok, maybe a little exaggeration, daisy cutters could probably kill you with shock at a greater range than the shrapnel, but you get the idea. It has to be BIG.

A non lethal, but tactially useful product of the shockwave is to concuss or deafen. A deaf soldier, or one with a concussion is a much less effective fighter.

06-06-2002, 11:22 PM	#9
TheDollyLlama Do-er of Deeds Join Date: Jun 2001 Posts: 41	the difference between high explosives and low explosives is significant, but generally when we talk about suicide bombs, grenades, artillery, we're talking about high explosives. In general the killing potential from high explosive weapons does not come from the shockwave or the heat energy of the explosive, but rather from the shrapnel which is expelled. Low explosives are only useful when you can contain the explosion to let it do work for you. Gunpowder is a good example of low explosive. Only when you get into Nuclear Weapons do the shockwave and heat become significant. Ok, maybe a little exaggeration, daisy cutters could probably kill you with shock at a greater range than the shrapnel, but you get the idea. It has to be BIG. A non lethal, but tactially useful product of the shockwave is to concuss or deafen. A deaf soldier, or one with a concussion is a much less effective fighter.

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