Naked Science Forum

Non Life Sciences => Chemistry => Topic started by: Vadermort on 15/02/2006 09:09:33

Title: Pipe bombs
Post by: Vadermort on 15/02/2006 09:09:33

Hey, i have tries the KMnO4 and sugar in a 50/50 mix before, but will the reaction actually blow an iron pipe?
I am trying a soda can wrapped in black tape tonight, so im sure it should have enough capacity to blow it up.
Has anyone tried this in a secure environment? And would black tape prevent shrapnel from the shattering pipe?

b.s

Title: Re: Pipe bombs
Post by: Vadermort on 15/02/2006 09:13:43

This mixture is used as a firestarter, but i have read about it being used in pipe bombs. can it?


b.s

Title: Re: Pipe bombs
Post by: daveshorts on 15/02/2006 11:12:21

Why are you trying to make a pipe bomb? making things go bang could be considered fun, but making things hurl shrapnel about is just nasty. If you must use something to confine the gasses so you get a good bang use a pipe that isn't going to throw very vicious shrapnel (everthing will throw shrapnel, so be bloody careful), a lemonade bottle is probably quite a good idea, they will go off at 5-10atm which makes one hell of a bang, and the shrapnel will be fairly light, so less but still dangerous.

Do not rely on black tape to contain the shrapnel, especially if you are using something which will shatter into sharp pieces. A son of a friend filled a 40mm bofurs shell with the mixture you suggest and put a mate in hospital with 2 pieces of shrapnel embedded in him... and he was standing 30feet away, so be very very careful!

Title: Re: Pipe bombs
Post by: Vadermort on 15/02/2006 11:25:18

I am aware that it is extremely dangerous with a iron pipe but a soda can would be fine right? Blast screens would help...i would stick a long peice of visco fuse in it to give me time to save my skin. Would a soda can give one hell of a bang?

b.s

Title: Re: Pipe bombs
Post by: daveshorts on 15/02/2006 12:14:46

I'm not sure, it depends how well you can seal the hole, and at whether the hole will weaken it, but probably yes. As with all this sort of thing if you are trying it for the first time, err on the side of caution, and be a long way away.

Title: Re: Pipe bombs
Post by: Vadermort on 16/02/2006 03:58:52

I tried it last night in an empty area. When the fuse went in, it shot a lot of sparks and fire out the top. It was too weak. Then the whole thing turned into a fireball that lasted a few minutes. this morning i checked the can, and it was melted quite badly.
About pipe bombs, if i stick it  into the side of a cliff, would that reduce shrapnel?

b.s

Title: Re: Pipe bombs
Post by: another_someone on 17/02/2006 00:51:24

Can't see that sicking a pipe bomb into a tight hole would achieve what you want.

Either the hole will be string enough to stop the pipe fracturing, or it will shatter the rock, and may have other effect.  Probably better than just leaving it outside the hole, because the rock pieces will be heavier, and thus slower; but not good.

I would have thought that a better option is to place the device in a deep hole that is large enough that it has room to explode, but will contain the shrapnel as it flies out.

My own guess is that if you can see the device, you are in danger.  Simply assume that shrapnel will  will fly as far as you can see, in approximately the line of sight (by the time it will significantly have drifted much from the line of sight, it will probably have lost most of its energy).

Title: Re: Pipe bombs
Post by: neilep on 17/02/2006 01:53:35

Vadermont....I hope you don't mind but can I ask where are you letting these incendiary devices off ?...when you say in an empty area can you elaborate please ?...what cliffs are you prepared to blow up ?

I think it's a moot point to establish exactly Vadermorts credentials & intentions before advising him on how to blow himself/us up don't you think ?

If Vadermort's intentions are honourable then he wouldn't mind my asking him this.

Men are the same as women.... just inside out !!

Title: Re: Pipe bombs
Post by: Vadermort on 17/02/2006 02:44:55

Dont worry neilep.
the "cliff" isnt exacty made up of rock...more like compacted sand and soil. and by meaning in an empty area...i mean there are no people for at least a sq kilometer.
the population density is about 2 persons por square kilometer. It is legal and there are many chalk mining companies around the area which use dynamite all the time. There are no explosive substances nearby and it is infact, a small dry desert.

b.s

Title: Re: Pipe bombs
Post by: neilep on 17/02/2006 03:03:48

Thank you Vadermort. I appreciate your understanding why I had to ask.

Men are the same as women.... just inside out !!