Improvised Munitions Handbook (Improvised Explosive Devices or ...
Improvised Munitions Handbook (Improvised Explosive Devices or ...
Improvised Munitions Handbook (Improvised Explosive Devices or ...
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<strong>Improvised</strong> <strong>Munitions</strong> <strong>Handbook</strong> (<strong>Improvised</strong> <strong>Explosive</strong> <strong>Devices</strong> <strong>or</strong> IEDs)<br />
Appendix 1<br />
Primary High <strong>Explosive</strong>s<br />
A1.1 Mercury Fulminate<br />
Description<br />
Mercury fulminate is an initiating explosive, commonly appearing as white <strong>or</strong> gray crystals.<br />
It is extremely sensitive to initiation by heat, friction, spark <strong>or</strong> flame, and impact. It detonates<br />
when initiated by any of these means. It is pressed into containers, usually at 3000 pounds<br />
per square inch (20 mPa), f<strong>or</strong> use in detonat<strong>or</strong>s and blasting caps. However, when<br />
compressed at greater and greater pressure (up to 30,000 pounds per square inch <strong>or</strong> 200<br />
mPa), it becomes “dead pressed.” In this condition, it can only be exploded by another initial<br />
detonating agent. Mercury fulminate gradually becomes inert when st<strong>or</strong>ed continuously<br />
above 100°F. A dark-col<strong>or</strong>ed product of deteri<strong>or</strong>ation gives evidence of this effect. Mercury<br />
fulminate is st<strong>or</strong>ed underwater except when there is danger of freezing. Then it is st<strong>or</strong>ed<br />
under a mixture of water and alcohol.<br />
Comments<br />
This material was tested. It is effective.<br />
References<br />
TM 9-1900, Ammunition, General, page 59.<br />
TM 9-1910, Military <strong>Explosive</strong>s, page 98.<br />
A1.2 Lead Styphnate<br />
Description<br />
Lead styphnate is an initiating explosive, commonly appearing in the f<strong>or</strong>m of <strong>or</strong>ange <strong>or</strong><br />
brown crystals. It is easily ignited by heat and static discharge but cannot be used to initiate<br />
secondary high explosives reliably. Lead styphnate is used as an igniting charge f<strong>or</strong> lead<br />
azide and as an ingredient in priming mixtures f<strong>or</strong> small arms ammunition. In these<br />
applications, it is usually mixed with other materials first and then pressed into a metallic<br />
container (detonat<strong>or</strong>s and primers). Lead styphnate is st<strong>or</strong>ed under water except when there is<br />
danger of freezing. Then it is st<strong>or</strong>ed under a mixture of water and alcohol.<br />
Comments<br />
This item was tested. It is effective.<br />
References<br />
TM 9-1900, Ammunition, General, page 59.<br />
TM 9-1910, Military <strong>Explosive</strong>s, page 107.<br />
A1.3 Lead Azide<br />
Description<br />
Lead azide is an initiating explosive and is produced as a white to buff crystalline substance.
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