Smokeless Propellant
Definition
A low explosive based on nitrocellulose (single-base), nitrocellulose plus nitroglycerin (double-base), or nitrocellulose plus nitroglycerin plus nitroguanidine (triple-base). Used as firearm propellant and identifiable in post-blast debris by GC-MS nitro-compound profiling.
Related terms
- Brisance
- The shattering power of a detonating explosive, distinct from heave (bulk displacement). Measured by the Trauzl lead block test. High-brisance explosives (RDX,...
- Chapman-Jouguet Velocity
- The minimum stable detonation velocity for a given explosive at a specific density, a thermodynamic property of the explosive composition. Used to...
- Deflagration
- A subsonic combustion front propagating through an explosive by thermal conduction. Characteristic of low explosives such as black powder and smokeless powder;...
- Detonation
- A supersonic shock wave coupled to a chemical reaction front, propagating through a high explosive at velocities between approximately 4,500 and 9,100...
- Oxygen Balance
- A percentage expressing the surplus or deficit of oxygen in an explosive molecule relative to stoichiometric complete oxidation of carbon to CO2...
- PESO (India)
- Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation, the Indian government body under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry that administers the Explosives Act 1884...
- Primary Explosive
- A high explosive sensitive enough to detonate from friction, spark, percussion, or flame without confinement or a separate booster. Examples: mercury fulminate,...
- Secondary Explosive
- A high explosive insensitive to normal friction, spark, and percussion; requires a primary explosive shock or blasting cap to initiate detonation. Examples:...
- UN Hazard Class 1
- The United Nations dangerous-goods classification for explosives. Divided into six divisions (1.1 through 1.6) based on mass explosion hazard, projection hazard, and...
Explained in
- Explosives Classification: Low vs High, Primary vs SecondaryA low explosive based on nitrocellulose (single-base), nitrocellulose plus nitroglycerin (double-base), or nitrocellulose plus nitroglycerin plus nitroguanidin...