Chinese researchers have tested a new type of non-nuclear explosive compound using Hydrogen to deliver intense thermal effects over a longer period than TNT.
According to the South China Morning Post, the explosive developed by China State Shipbuilding Corporation achieved an explosion lasting far longer than TNT.
A test unit weighing about 2.2 kg released an explosion reaching 1000 degrees Celsius and lasting for more than two seconds, which is a significant difference when compared to TNT and other conventional explosives in terms of thermal effects.
The design of the explosive involves magnesium-based storage of solid-state Hydrogen to maximise packing the propellant. Hydrogen, as the lightest element, is also one of the most flammable, which has made it the primary choice for liquid fuel rockets for decades. Solid storage can allow for the packing of even larger amounts in a confined space due to the element’s low density.
How Does it Compare to Conventional Explosives?
General use explosives such as TNT and PBXN mainly cause damage through intense pressure. They are usually combined with fragmentation effects, while thermobaric munitions use intense heat as the extra effect with an overall larger blast radius. The one developed by China is stated to have a significantly lower pressure effect.
There is one type of conventional explosive closer to function than the one developed by China: Napalm. Used extensively in the Vietnam War, Napalm’s damage is based on a very hot fireball that can encompass a large area without additional effects like pressure or fragmentation.
Considering the traits, the new explosive can be defined as a balance between TNT and thermal damage-based explosives with possibly better efficiency of propellant consumption compared to thermobaric bombs which might leave unburned propellant.
Author: Kaan Azman
Editor: Özgür Ekşi
