Pyrotechnics

With more power comes worse potential mistakes, and this applies totally to explosives. An idiot with a gun or knife can only do so much. An idiot with explosives can damage a large radius instantly. Most of these times, not even intentionally. As important it is to know how to use explosives, it is essential to recognize their presence and know precautions for handling them.

This article won't cover explosives recipes, which are wildly available and quite dangerous. It will cover their science, their modern employment, and their possible use in a zed-filled world. Check out the other pages for Common Pyros, and Strategic use of Explosives.

Explosive Science

Explosives are substances that react and create gasses that expand very rapidly. Within this broad definition, there are two types of explosives. Low Explosive, and High Explosive.

Low Explosive is primarily propellant. It burns slower, perfect for launching projectiles such as rockets and bullets. It is also more sensitive. Most low-explosives can be set off by a static charge, open flame, or even a hard impact. Black powder and smokeless powder, the two most common firearms powders, are both low explosive.

High Explosive is significantly more stable, and also much more powerful. These explosives generally come in a clay-like form. TNT, C-4, Semtex, is all high explosive. They cannot be detonated by simple electricity, impact, or even by being tossed into a fire, which is helpful in safe storage and usage. High explosives need a combination of heat and pressure, achieved by using a blasting cap. Such a device is a small explosive charge wired to a control element of some kind, be it an open fuse or a complex electrical delay system.

There are many compounds out there that are very potent, but also incredibly delicate - nitroglycerin can be detonated by a light impact. These have become largely obsolete with more stable explosives, but be aware that some can occur in natural settings - residual gas fumes a very deadly example of such.

Uses

Explosives can be used for much more than death. They can be incredibly useful in precisely collapsing a structure, propelling an object or even signaling. Your creativity determines what you will use for. Remember the quote, "There is not a problem in the world that cannot be solved with the proper application of explosives"

Now, the key to this phase is "proper application." The consequences of improper application are pretty common sense. People have lost limbs accidentally dropping blasting caps. Explosives are force multipliers in the most pronounced way.

For construction, you will rely mostly on blast force. Usually directed force, in the form of shaped charges, which deflect the blast into a solid current that cuts through heavy material. This is also employed to punch through armored vehicles.

John_234	Latest page update: made by John_234 , Apr 24 2010, 3:12 AM EDT (about this update About This Update Edited by John_234 15 words added 1109 words deleted view changes - complete history)
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JamesIkanov

Explosives are risky. (page: 1 2 3 4 5)

Jan 24 2012, 12:50 AM EST by John_234

Thread started: Dec 12 2010, 3:17 PM EST Watch

A word of warning. unless you know what your`re doing, or have incredibly specific directions, I would not advise using explosive of the homemade variety. and, even if you get some professionally assembled ones, improper ly setting the timers, detonators, or other detonating device , could kill you. generally, if you really need some, your best bet is to make a Molotov cocktail, and stick in some gun powder, or a ground up sparkler, with some rubbing alcohol. i seriously think that if your REALLY ready to risk blowing your hand of, ask privately, or GTFO.

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RE: Explosives are risky.
By: John_234, Jan 24 2012, 12:50 AM EST

"all right, I felt like dispelling some of the misconceptions about me, and this thread. and explosives in general. the reason explosives are so regulated is not so much because modern explosive are unstable.( which really, there not.)

*SNIP*"

Ever heard of nitroglycerin? You know, an ingredient in dynamite, still used in many parts of the world? Yeah.

Or flash powder? Which is designed to go off easily? Or mercury fulminate, which explodes when crushed, used commonly in primers for firearms.

How about match heads? What do you think a tennis ball bomb is?

Maybe black powder, used frequently for improvised bombs and easily set off by open flame or static electricity?

They're explosives, even if you don't think they are, and there are legal sanctions on having too much of any propellant exactly for the reasons I described.

On your description of an explosion. Explosives insensitive to shock in the way you described, are initiated by a small explosive, like a blasting cap.

The heat and pressure from the blasting cap initiate a detonation, which is differentiated from deflagration by the rate of shockwaves (this is what makes it a high explosive.) Yes, the casing holds in the gasses generated by the detonation, but do you really think the explosion really happens after the casing shatters?

Then why in the world would we be able to use demolition blocks of TNT, which are wrapped in wax paper, or even firecrackers, which have flimsy cardboard casings? The casing amplifies the explosive, directs it and makes it effective, but it will still happen regardless of the casing being there or not. That alone shows you have a gross misunderstanding of how an explosive works.

I'm locking this thread, for the ridiculous argument you started that should have never happened. If someone can get a legitimate reason to open it up, PM me.

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pyroblast1

help pyro help

Nov 12 2011, 1:44 AM EST by StrykerPez

Thread started: Nov 12 2011, 1:26 AM EST Watch

I need someone who know's there pyro chemicals pretty well.Let me P.M. me if you do.Just so it work's for sure.

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PaganArcher

Explosive arrows?

Feb 21 2011, 2:33 AM EST by PaganArcher

Thread started: Feb 18 2011, 7:30 PM EST Watch

A friend of mine sent me a link to what essentially turns an aluminum arrow shaft into a mid to long range explosive, knowing my fascination with methods for destroying the undead. Anyone every heard of such a thing?

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