PICRATROL:

Picratrol is a mixture of 52% Explosive D and 48% TNT. It is currently used in the 2000 lb. M103 S.A.P. bomb and is under consideration for appliance in other Army A.P.'s and S.A.P.'s. Picratrol's stability is about equal to that of Exploisve D and TNT. It has a rate of detonation of 22,875 ft/sec at a normal loading density of 1.625. Brisance tests, peak pressure tests, and impulse tests indicate that Picratrol's destructive force is some-what less than that of TNT, but greater than that of Explosive D.

CYCLOTOL 70/30:

Cyclotol 70/30, a mixture of 70% RDX and 30% TNT, closely resembles Composition B except for the altered proportions of the components, and is designed as a replacement for Pentolite. It will not, however, have Pentolite's resistance to flame. Though results of tests are not available, Cyclotol may be anticipated to be more sensitive than Compositi-on B, but considerably less than Pentolite.

Tritonal is composed of 80% TNT and 20% aluminum powder and is contemplated for use in some 4000 lb. AN-M56 light case bombs, the JB-2, and in several G.P. bombs (Army 500 and 1000 lb. G.P.'s), where maximum blast effect is desired. Tritonal is cast, segregation of the aluminum being prevented by a pellet loading technique. The labora-tory impact value is 89, bullet impact value is 64, velocity of detonation is 18,000 ft/sec. at a density of 1.70.

MERCURY FULMINATE:

Mercury Fulminate is an initiating explosive that may be used as either a primer or detonator. It may be detonated by flame, friction, or percussion and in turn detonate a boos-ter, or it may be mixed with other materials to form a primer composition and used to ig-nite a propellant charge. Its melting point is much too high for it to be cast and it is loa-ded by being pressed into caps. It has one disadvantage for military use in that it will decompose in stowage at tropical temperatures and at the end of about three years may be rendered useless. Compared to high explosive, it has lower power and brisance which is indicated by its velocity of detonation of 16,500 ft/sec. at a density of 4.00. Its Labo-ratory Impact Value is 8. Its color is light yellow.

LEAD AZIDE:

Lead Azide may be used where a detonation is caused from flame but Mercury Fulmi-nate is generally preferred where the cap is to be set off by a firing pin. It does have the dis-tinct advantage over Mercury Fulminate in being completely order as Fulminate, 17,500 ft/sec. at a density of 4.00. Its Laboratory Impact Value is 19. Its color is white.

DDNP:

DDNP is an initiating explosive which has been used for some time in commercial deto-nating caps and is now being used to some extent in military types. It is more insensitive to shock than Mercury Fulminate and Lead Azide though it may be detonated by a sharp blow. It will, therefore, probably be used only where it will be set off electrically or by miner's safety fuse. It has an advantage in being more powerful than other initiating ex-plosives and being comparable in strength to Tetryl. If unconfined, flame will cause it to flash but will not detonate it. This, combined with its insensitivity to shock, makes it much more safe to handle.