Tetrytol
Encyclopedia
Tetrytol is a high explosive, comprising a mixture of Tetryl
and TNT. Typically, the proportion of ingredients (by weight) is approximately 70% tetryl and 30% TNT. Given that tetryl is significantly more sensitive than TNT, has a slightly higher detonation velocity and forms the main part of this explosive blend, the sensitivity of tetrytol and its brisance
can be inferred.
Applications of tetrytol are usually military in nature e.g. burster tubes for chemical weapons (e.g. nerve gas shells), blocks of demolition explosives and cast shaped charge
s.
When compared to pure TNT, Tetrytol does not store well at the higher temperatures typical of desert
or tropical environments.
Note: tetryl has been regarded as obsolete for a number of years. As a result, any tetrytol explosives encountered will usually be in the form of legacy munitions or unexploded ordnance
dating from the 1960s and earlier.
Tetryl
2,4,6-Trinitrophenylmethylnitramine commonly referred to as tetryl is a sensitive explosive compound used to make detonators and explosive booster charges....
and TNT. Typically, the proportion of ingredients (by weight) is approximately 70% tetryl and 30% TNT. Given that tetryl is significantly more sensitive than TNT, has a slightly higher detonation velocity and forms the main part of this explosive blend, the sensitivity of tetrytol and its brisance
Brisance
Brisance is the shattering capability of an explosive. It is a measure of the rapidity with which an explosive develops its maximum pressure. The term originates from the French verb "briser", which means to break or shatter...
can be inferred.
Applications of tetrytol are usually military in nature e.g. burster tubes for chemical weapons (e.g. nerve gas shells), blocks of demolition explosives and cast shaped charge
Shaped charge
A shaped charge is an explosive charge shaped to focus the effect of the explosive's energy. Various types are used to cut and form metal, to initiate nuclear weapons, to penetrate armor, and in the oil and gas industry...
s.
When compared to pure TNT, Tetrytol does not store well at the higher temperatures typical of desert
Desert
A desert is a landscape or region that receives an extremely low amount of precipitation, less than enough to support growth of most plants. Most deserts have an average annual precipitation of less than...
or tropical environments.
Note: tetryl has been regarded as obsolete for a number of years. As a result, any tetrytol explosives encountered will usually be in the form of legacy munitions or unexploded ordnance
Unexploded ordnance
Unexploded ordnance are explosive weapons that did not explode when they were employed and still pose a risk of detonation, potentially many decades after they were used or discarded.While "UXO" is widely and informally used, munitions and explosives of...
dating from the 1960s and earlier.