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Chinese researchers have announced development of a new bomb based on hydrogen.
It is noted that two-kilogram bomb does not contain a nuclear charge and is designed to deliver powerful thermal damage for a long time. The developers say that the key element of the new weapon is magnesium hydride, which in powdered form helps hydrogen to remain in a solid state.
The bomb is detonated by conventional explosives, which leads to a rapid thermal decomposition with the release of hydrogen gas, which ignites, causing a large-scale fire. This results in a solid fireball with a temperature of over 1000°C. This is in contrast to TNT explosives, which have a flash point of only 0.12 seconds, bomb flash with hydrogen gas lasts about 2 seconds.
It is claimed that this bullet is so hot that it can melt metal over a large area. This makes this bomb similar to napalm or thermobaric weapons. It is known that the bomb was developed by researchers from 705th Research Institute of the China State Shipbuilding Corporation.
«Hydrogen gas explosions ignite with minimal ignition energy, have a wide range, and release flames that spread quickly and widely outward. This combination allows for precise control of the explosion intensity, easily achieving uniform target destruction over large areas», — explain the developers under the guidance of a researcher at the institute of the Chinese State Shipbuilding Corporation Wang Xuefeng.
Chinese scientists argue, that the explosion itself is not that powerful the explosive’s explosive yield, as with most explosives, is only about 40% of the TNT equivalent. However, this bomb is capable of generating significantly more heat in a longer reaction. It is emphasized that what happens is not just an explosion, but something like a thermal chain reaction that lasts exactly as long as the fuel to sustain it is stored.
According to the developers, their bomb is ideal for blocking certain areas in combat situations that will become too hot to control. In addition, this weapon can be used to destroy vehicles and other equipment. The bomb can be used to burn defense structures and destroying drone swarmsThe technology can also be used as a fuel source for submarines and ships.
For a long time, the production of magnesium hydride was considered dangerous and difficult. It was usually produced in small batches in laboratories. However, China has recently built a plant that will produce up to 150 tons per year.
Source: Interesting Engineering