RDX (Research Department Explosive)
Definition
Cyclotrimethylenetrinitramine (C3H6N6O6). A military-grade secondary high explosive with a detonation velocity of approximately 8,750 m/s. The primary explosive in the 1993 Mumbai serial blasts. Access is restricted to military and licensed commercial users; its presence in a post-blast scene indicates an organised supply chain.
Related terms
- ANFO (Ammonium Nitrate Fuel Oil)
- A low-sensitivity bulk explosive mixture of prilled ammonium nitrate (94 per cent by weight) and fuel oil (6 per cent). The primary...
- Blast Seat
- The origin point of an explosion, characterised by a crater (in contact detonations), radiating damage patterns, and the highest concentration of explosive...
- Commercial Pyrotechnic Powder
- Low explosives (black powder and flash powder) extracted from commercially available fireworks. Used in the Boston Marathon bombing devices. Not subject to...
- Daubert Standard
- The US federal evidentiary standard (Daubert v. Merrell Dow Pharmaceuticals, 1993) requiring that expert testimony be based on scientifically valid methods with...
- Forensic Explosives Laboratory (FEL)
- The DSTL-operated laboratory at Fort Halstead, Kent (UK), responsible for explosives identification and device analysis in UK terrorism cases. UKAS-accredited for post-blast...
- HMTD (Hexamethylene Triperoxide Diamine)
- A peroxide explosive analogue of TATP, synthesised from hexamine (hexamethylenetetramine), hydrogen peroxide, and citric acid. Similar sensitivity profile. Detected by LC-MS/MS as...
- Ion Chromatography (IC)
- An analytical technique that separates and quantifies anions and cations in solution. In post-blast residue analysis, IC detects nitrate, nitrite, ammonium, and...
- TATP (Triacetone Triperoxide)
- A cyclic peroxide explosive (C9H18O6) synthesised from acetone, hydrogen peroxide, and an acid catalyst. Sensitive to friction, heat, shock, and prolonged storage....
- VBIED (Vehicle-Borne Improvised Explosive Device)
- An IED concealed in or as a vehicle, using the vehicle's fuel and body mass to enhance the blast and complicate detection....
Explained in
- Major Bombing Casework: Oklahoma, Mumbai, 7/7, Boston, ManchesterCyclotrimethylenetrinitramine (C3H6N6O6). A military-grade secondary high explosive with a detonation velocity of approximately 8,750 m/s. The primary explosiv...