detonator
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detonator
(dĕ`tənā'tər), type of explosiveexplosive,substance that undergoes decomposition or combustion with great rapidity, evolving much heat and producing a large volume of gas. The reaction products fill a much greater volume than that occupied by the original material and exert an enormous pressure, which can be
..... Click the link for more information. that reacts with great rapidity and is used to set off other, more inert explosives. Fulminate of mercury mixed with potassium chlorate is a commonly used detonator. The word is also applied to equipment which, by flame, spark, percussion, friction, or pressure, is used to set off a chemical detonator.
Detonator
a high-explosive charge intended to ensure the complete explosion of the main charge of a shell, mine, aerial bomb, or blasting charge. Pressed cylindrical high-explosive charges (tetryl, phlegmatized hexogens of pentaerythritol tetranitrate [PETN], or trinitrotoluene [TNT]), which are more sensitive to detonation than the explosive of the charge, are usually used. One form of detonator is the so-called TNT plug, which is used for ammunition with a bursting charge of ammonites; it also protects the main charge from atmospheric moisture.
The weight and size of detonators are determined by the quantity of explosive in the bursting charge of the ammunition, the form and sensitivity to detonation of the explosive, and the purpose of the ammunition. An additional detonator is used if the power of the igniter detonator is inadequate.
REFERENCES
Vzryvchatye veshchestva i porokha. Moscow, 1955.lakhontov, A. D. Vzryvnye raboty i vzryvchatye materialy. Moscow, 1959.
Tret’iakov, G. M. Boepripasy artillerii. Moscow, 1947.
IU. V. FEDOROV