Torpex

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Torpex is a secondary explosive 50% more powerful than TNT by weight. Torpex is composed of 42% RDX, 40% TNT and 18% aluminium. It was used in the Second World War from late 1942. The name is short for 'Torpedo Explosive', having been originally developed for use in torpedoes. Torpex proved to be particularly useful in underwater munitions because the aluminium component had the effect of making the explosive pulse last longer, which enhanced the destructive power. Torpex has been superseded by PBX compositions.

[edit] Development

Torpex was developed at Royal Gunpowder Factory, Waltham Abbey, in the UK as a more powerful military alternative to TNT. RDX was developed in 1899, but was too sensitive to shock to be used in military applications. It was discovered that by mixing TNT and RDX the sensitivity could be reduced and the improvement in power retained. Aluminium powder was also added to the mix to further enhance the effect. Beeswax was also added to reduce sensitivity to shock and impact. Later beeswax was replaced with a petroleum based product.

Later it was discovered that high humidity caused Torpex to produce Hydrogen gas, and Calcium Carbonate was added as a moisture absorber.

[edit] Use

RDX was relatively expensive to produce compared to TNT. It was only used in critical applications, such as submarine launched torpedoes and bombs such as the Tallboy developed by Barnes Wallis in 1944.