Vaporific Effect
Encyclopedia
Vaporific effect is a flash fire
resulting from the impact of high velocity projectile
s with metallic objects. Impacts produce particulate matter originating from either the projectile, the target, or both. Particles heated from the force of impact can burn in the presence of air (oxidizer). An explosion can result from the mixture of metal-dust and air, the resulting dust explosion
causing significant overpressure within metallic enclosures (aircraft, vehicles, metallic enclosures, etc). The vaporific effect is particularly pronounced when these enclosures are constructed of pyrophoric metals (metals that react upon contact air, such as aluminium
, magnesium
, or their alloys. Depleted uranium
is a pyrophoric material used in kinetic penetrator ammunition.
Flash fire
A flash fire is a sudden, intense fire caused by ignition of a mixture of air and a dispersed flammable substance such as a solid , flammable or combustible liquid , or a flammable gas...
resulting from the impact of high velocity projectile
Projectile
A projectile is any object projected into space by the exertion of a force. Although a thrown baseball is technically a projectile too, the term more commonly refers to a weapon....
s with metallic objects. Impacts produce particulate matter originating from either the projectile, the target, or both. Particles heated from the force of impact can burn in the presence of air (oxidizer). An explosion can result from the mixture of metal-dust and air, the resulting dust explosion
Dust explosion
A dust explosion is the fast combustion of dust particles suspended in the air in an enclosed location. Coal dust explosions are a frequent hazard in underground coal mines, but dust explosions can occur where any powdered combustible material is present in an enclosed atmosphere.- Conditions for...
causing significant overpressure within metallic enclosures (aircraft, vehicles, metallic enclosures, etc). The vaporific effect is particularly pronounced when these enclosures are constructed of pyrophoric metals (metals that react upon contact air, such as aluminium
Aluminium
Aluminium or aluminum is a silvery white member of the boron group of chemical elements. It has the symbol Al, and its atomic number is 13. It is not soluble in water under normal circumstances....
, magnesium
Magnesium
Magnesium is a chemical element with the symbol Mg, atomic number 12, and common oxidation number +2. It is an alkaline earth metal and the eighth most abundant element in the Earth's crust and ninth in the known universe as a whole...
, or their alloys. Depleted uranium
Depleted uranium
Depleted uranium is uranium with a lower content of the fissile isotope U-235 than natural uranium . Uses of DU take advantage of its very high density of 19.1 g/cm3...
is a pyrophoric material used in kinetic penetrator ammunition.