Stick bomb

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A stick bomb is a mechanical explosive device constructed out of flat sticks woven together under tension. There were also German explosive devices used in both World Wars that were known as 'stick bombs' (Stielhandgranate) (see hand grenade). Other names for stick bombs include popsicle-stick bomb, stick puzzles, frame bombs, scatter frames, and, humorously, xyloexplosive devices.

[edit] Brief history

Simple stick bombs made out of four, five, or six sticks have been known to schoolchildren for ages. In the 1990s, kinetic artist Tim Fort developed several methods for creating large stick bombs of limitless size. The current unofficial world record for a stick bomb is 1300 sticks and was successfully detonated in Minneapolis, Minnesota in September of 2003.

[edit] Technical Aspects

Stick bombs can be constructed out of most flat sticks of the appropriate dimensions. The usual material for construction is wood, but plastic can also be used. Popsicle sticks and tongue depressors are popular because of availability, low cost, and because they are easily colored.

The sticks are woven together to form a reticulated grid with each stick held in place by tension created by the elasticity of wood or other material. If constructed properly, the removal of a single stick causes the other sticks to fly apart with surprising force.

The speed of the shock wave depends on the materials used. If popsicle sticks are used, the detonation speed is approximately 30-40 meters per second; for tongue depressors, the speed is under 10 meters per second.

The variety of configurations in which stick bombs can be constructed is virtually limitless, and there are several tricks ('stunts') which can be incorporated into the design. Stick bombs are one of several chain-reaction techniques developed or invented by Tim Fort as an alternative to domino tumbling and Rube Goldberg gadgets.

[edit] External links

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