Torpex is a secondary explosive 50% more powerful than TNT by weight. Torpex is composed of 42% RDX, 40% TNT and 18% aluminium. It was used in the Second World War from late 1942. The name is short for 'Torpedo Explosive', having been originally developed for use in torpedoes. This article is concerned solely with chemical explosives. ... Trinitrotoluene (TNT, or Trotyl) is a pale yellow crystalline aromatic hydrocarbon compound that melts at 354 K (178 Â°F, 81 °C). ... Cyclotrimethylenetrinitramine, also known as RDX, cyclonite,hexogen, and T4, is an nitroamine and explosive material widely used by the military. ... This article does not cite any references or sources. ... Mushroom cloud from the nuclear explosion over Nagasaki rising 18 km into the air. ... This article is about the year. ... A modern torpedo, historically called a self propelled torpedo, is a self-propelled guided projectile that (after being launched above or below the water surface) operates underwater and is designed to detonate on contact or in proximity to a target. ...

Development

Torpex was developed at Waltham Abbey Royal Gunpowder Factory, in the UK as a more powerful military alternative to TNT. RDX was developed in 1899, but was too sensitive to shock to be used in military applications. It was discovered that by mixing TNT and RDX the sensitivity could be reduced and the improvement in power retained. Aluminium powder was also added to the mix to further enhance the effect. Beeswax was also added to reduce sensitivity to shock and impact. Later beeswax was replaced with a petroleum based product. 1899 was a common year starting on Sunday (see link for calendar). ... Beeswax is a product from a bee hive. ...

Later it was discovered that high humidity caused Torpex to produce Hydrogen gas, and Calcium Carbonate was added as a moisture absorber. Calcium carbonate is a chemical compound, with chemical formula CaCO3. ...

Use

RDX was relatively expensive to produce compared to TNT, as a result Torpex was more expensive than TNT. It was only used in critical applications, such as submarine launched torpedoes, but also found uses in bombs such as the Tallboy developed by Barnes Wallis in 1944. Tallboy bomb The Tallboy was a bomb developed by Barnes Wallis and brought into operation by the British in 1944. ... Sir Barnes Neville Wallis Sir Barnes Neville Wallis, CBE, FRS, RDI, commonly known as Barnes Wallis, (September 26, 1887 – October 30, 1979) was a British scientist, engineer and inventor. ... 1944 (MCMXLIV) was a leap year starting on Saturday (link will take you to calendar). ...

See also

• Explosives used during WW II

Almost all the common explosives were mixtures of TNT, RDX or PETN. See also : Explosive material, Little Boy, Fat Man. ...

References

• Hellions of the Deep: The Development of American Torpedoes in World War II, Robert Gannon, ISBN 027101508X