The simplest application of high explosives in warfare is in
connection with torpedoes, since within the same bulk a much more
efficient substance can be obtained than gunpowder, and with
reasonable care there is very little danger of premature explosions by
reason of accidental shocks.
Torpedoes were made by the Chinese many years ago, they were tried in
our war of independence, and also by the Russians during the Crimean
war; but the first practical and successful use of them as a
recognized weapon was during our war of secession, when thirty-seven
vessels were either sunk or seriously injured by them. Gunpowder was
used in these torpedoes, though it is stated that attempts were made
to use other substances without success. Since that time all maritime
nations have made a close study of the subject and have adopted
various high explosives, according to the results of their
experiments. In general terms it may be stated that explosive chemical
compounds have been found more suitable than explosive mixtures,
because of the uniformity of direction in which they exert their
pressure, and from the fact that water does not injure them. Mixtures
may be very powerful, but they are erratic and require tight cases.
Pages:
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
51
52
53
54
55
56
57