You need two main things to happen: For combustion to happen, you need fuel, and an oxidizing agent, which removed electrons from molecules of fuel to keep the reaction going.
Defining Explosives
They consist of chemical compounds or mixtures capable of being
converted into large quantities of hot gas in a very short period of time. It
is affected by a specific external agent that produces increasing pressure,
resulting in a chain reaction.
Explosive Chain [Reactions]
A series of initial explosions starting with a small amount of highly
sensitive explosives and ends with a large charge composed of basically
stable explosives.
It is composed of explosions arranged to bring about a large yield.
The simplest explosive chain [reaction] has two stages whereas other
explosions could require four stages or more. Any break in the chain
prevents the material which follows it from exploding.
The Usual Series
The series starts with a small spark and ends with a sizeable explosion.
1. The Spark
2. Combustible material
3. A small amount of secondary material
4. Basic charge
Ammonium nitrate is an oxidizer by itself, (meaning that ammonium nitrate can act as an oxidizing agent, which means it can cause or accelerate a chemical reaction by providing oxygen to the reaction. In other words, it can help to burn or react with other substances more easily.
Ammonium nitrate is a common chemical compound that is made up of nitrogen and oxygen atoms. It is commonly used as a fertilizer in agriculture, but it can also be used as an explosive in certain situations. When ammonium nitrate is heated or exposed to a spark, it can release oxygen and cause a rapid chemical reaction, which can be dangerous and even explosive.)
Ammonium nitrate can be used as an explosive on its own, without the need for a fuel component. This is known as an ammonium nitrate explosive. While it is often combined with fuel to create binary explosives, such as ANFO (ammonium nitrate/fuel oil), (like nitromethane fuel! this is what mcveigh did btw). it can also be used in its pure form to create explosive devices, but can be combined with other substances to enhance its explosive properties.
1. ammonium nitrate + aluminum powder or “tannerite” or “ammonal”
2. Ammonium nitrate + fuel oil “ANFO”
3. Ammonium Nitrate + Nitromethane “Kinepak”
Nitrogenous explosives are a class of explosives that contain nitrogen as a significant component. The most common chemicals in nitrogenous explosives include oxygen (O), nitrogen (N), carbon (C), and hydrogen (H). These elements are essential components of many explosive compounds due to their reactivity and ability to form stable, high-energy molecules.
Oxygen (O). Oxygen is a key component in the chemical composition of nitrogenous explosives. It plays a crucial role in the oxidation-reduction reactions that occur during the detonation of these explosives. Oxygen is often present in the form of oxides within the explosive compounds, contributing to the release of energy during detonation.
Nitrogen (N). Nitrogen is the central element in nitrogenous explosives, providing the characteristic high energy and stability to these compounds. Nitrogen forms strong covalent bonds with other elements, leading to the formation of highly stable explosive molecules. The presence of nitrogen is a defining feature of nitrogenous explosives.
Carbon (C). Carbon is another essential component of nitrogenous explosives. It forms the backbone of many organic molecules present in these explosives.
Carbon’s ability to form diverse chemical bonds and structures contributes to the variety of nitrogenous explosive compounds available.
Hydrogen (H). Hydrogen is also found in the chemical composition of nitrogenous explosives. It often combines with carbon and other elements to form reactive functional groups within explosive molecules. Hydrogen’s presence influences the overall stability and energy release characteristics of these compounds
Porous π-conjugated polymer: The "porous π-conjugated polymer" is a specific type of material designed to act as a sensor for explosives, particularly trinitrotoluene (TNT). It’s designed a polymer to be highly fluorescent, meaning it emits light when stimulated. In simpler terms, the presence of explosives traces (in this TNT) causes a change in the fluorescent properties of the polymer. Imagine the polymer emitting a certain color of light (it could be blue, green, or another color depending on the specific properties of the polymer) under normal conditions. When this material is exposed to trace amounts of explosives, the fluorescence is reduced. So, the change in the emitted light, or the decrease in fluorescence, serves as a signal that explosives material is there.
Electromagnetic induction detonator: the detector emits a time-varying magnetic field, the metal in the detonator is used to detect the presence of an explosive. (This is primary for detecting secondary explosives, because primary explosives are mainly plastic. They only contain small amounts of metal, or none at all, these usually can go undetected by metal-based systems).
Detecting TATP can be challenging because it does not contain nitrogen, which is commonly targeted by traditional explosive detection methods. However, specialized equipment and techniques have been developed to identify TATP vapors or residues. These include trace detection systems, mass spectrometry, ion mobility spectrometry, and canine units trained to detect the compound.
Primary explosives
These are highly sensitive to impact, friction, or heat, and can initiate a detonation on their own. Examples of primary explosives include lead azide, mercury fulminate, and tetyl.
Secondary explosives
These are less sensitive than primary explosives and require an external energy source to initiate a detonation. Ammonium nitrate falls under this category.
Tertiary explosives
These are the least sensitive of all the explosives and are usually used as a detonator or as an initiation system for other explosives. ANFO (ammonium nitrate and fuel oil) is an example of a tertiary explosive, as it is detonator-insensitive and legally classified as a blasting agent.
Liquid explosives are usually primary explosives. An example of a liquid explosive would be nitroglycerin; which is made of carbon, nitrogen, hydrogen, and oxygen. It’s a component that’s used in stable explosives like dynamite, however as a liquid it’s extremely sensible. Most liquid explosives are made of. unstable molecules. These complex molecules break down into ordinary, stable molecules when exposed to the right stimulus. Even a very minor shock can start the process, and since it involves the breaking of atomic bonds, it releases enormous amounts of energy.
The liquid itself is not usually used as it itself as an explosive, what attackers usually do is have the liquid in a bottle like shampoo bottle and then transport it and then make the explosive in the detonated place they wanna blow up. This was the case usually in airports. For instance in the case of the 2006 transatlantic aircraft plot officials said that the attackers would most likely plan to mix the liquids to resemble a sports drink with a peroxide gel to create a explosive substance and then use a cell phone or MP3 players as detonators.
Explosions are classified into two main types: deflagration and detonation. Deflagration is a slow-burning explosion, while detonation is a rapid, explosive reaction. The difference between the two is the rate at which the chemical reaction occurs. In deflagration, the reaction moves through the substance at a speed slower than the speed of sound, whereas in detonation, the reaction moves at a speed faster than the speed of sound.
factors that contribute to molecular explosions
1. Instability: Some molecules are inherently unstable, meaning that their chemical bonds are weak and can be easily broken. This instability can lead to a rapid release of energy when the molecules interact with other substances or are exposed to specific environmental conditions.
2. Catalysts: Certain substances, known as catalysts, can lower the activation energy required for a chemical reaction to occur. This means that even weakly bonded molecules can undergo a rapid reaction, leading to an explosion.
3. Temperature: An increase in temperature can increase the kinetic energy of the molecules, making it easier for them to break their chemical bonds and undergo a reaction. This is why many explosions are triggered by a sudden increase in temperature, such as when a flame comes into contact with a combustible substance.
4. Pressure: High pressure can also contribute to molecular explosions, as it can force molecules closer together, increasing the likelihood of a reaction taking place. This is why some explosions, such as those involving gases, are more likely to occur in confined spaces.
5. Presence of Oxygen: Many explosions require the presence of oxygen to occur, as it acts as a catalyst, allowing the chemical reaction to proceed more rapidly. This is why some materials are more likely to explode when exposed to air.
In conclusion, molecular explosions occur due to a combination of factors, including the instability of the molecules, the presence of catalysts, temperature, pressure, and the availability of oxygen. When these factors come together, they cause the chemical bonds within the molecules to be broken, releasing a large amount of energy in a short period, leading to an explosion.
Ammonium nitrate (AN): AN is a fertilizer often used in agricultural applications. When mixed with fuel oil, it can create a powerful explosive called ANFO.
Potassium nitrate (saltpeter): Saltpeter is a key ingredient in the production of black powder, a low explosive used in fireworks and early firearms.
Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2): H2O2 is a common ingredient in homemade explosives, particularly in the production of the high explosive acetone peroxide.
Acetone: Acetone is a solvent often used in the production of acetone peroxide and other HMEs.
Sulfur: Sulfur is a common ingredient in black powder and other low explosive mixtures.
This means pyrotechnics or electronic devices used for detonation. They are divided into means of generating – means of transferring – means of stabilizing.
Divided into:
1. Combustible Means
2. Mechanical Means
Types of fuses
First the Slow Fuse: (The Safety Fuse)
It consists of cotton or linen threads woven together and coated with an
insulating layer of pitch or plastic, and has capsules of black gunpowder
inside.
The threads help to circulate the wave of combustion. The pitch or plastic
holds the fuse together and prevents it from absorbing moisture.
Second, the Fast Fuse
It is the same as the slow fuse except for the fineness of the gunpowder and the speed at which it ignites, which goes up to 90 centimeters a second. Its use is limited to ambushes and traps.
Important Warning
Before using any type of fuse, take part of it and test it to check that it is free of moisture, also [check] the ignition speed because if you were to use a fast fuse supposing that it is a slow one, then the burning will reach the blasting cap and the charge will explode before you leave the location.
Additionally, the Detonating Cord (Cortex Cord)
It consists of a flexible cord that contains highly explosive material
covered with a layer of plastic to insulate it from moisture. It is
distinguished from delayed fuses because it contains a very white
substance, PETAN, though it could have another substance added to it,
which would change its color to gray.
Characteristics
1. Speed of explosion varies between five and seven kilometers a
second.
2. It could explode with the force of 15 kilograms, or the round of a
weapon.
3. [Can be] used underwater for not more than 15 hours.
4. It is used to explode several charges at the same time.
5. It is affected by moisture, the sun, electric shocks, and mechanical
jolts.
6. It is used as an explosive belt to fell trees as well as cement and
iron pillars.
7. It is in the shape of a coil varying in length from 100 to 200
meters.
8. It can be substituted for a large number of fuses.
9. It is used as an open cord to clear the way in a mine field and to
increase the width by doubling the number of detonating cords
which form the cord.
Consist of a metal capsule [made] of copper or aluminum containing a small amount of catalyst and other stimuli. Care and caution must be used while handling because it is very sensitive to external factors (bumping, shaking, and friction).
Composition of a Normal Blasting Cap
It consists of an extended pipe, one end which contains sensitive explosive
material, which is the basic substance. Its charge is also pressure-sensitive.
The third charge is combustible.
Length of the cap is 5 cm. Diameter of the cap is 7 cm
The normal blasting cap should only be exploded with a slow fuse.
Composition of the Electrical Blasting Cap
It has the same composition as the normal blasting cap, with the addition of a hot wire and connecting wire. The opening of the extended pipe is insulated with rubber.
Precautions that must be taken with Blasting Caps
1. Do not store blasting caps with explosive materials, and don’t
expose them to the heat of the sun.
2. Don’t test a blasting cap with an O’meter, Alpha meter or other
electrical devices which have batteries lest it explode (this pertains
to electrical blasting caps.)
Created by Abu Khabab al-Masri (a chemist and alleged top bomb maker for al-Qaeda and part of Osama bin Laden's inner circle), there is a heavier focus on lab safety, created in attempt to make improvements toward successful attacks with fewer errors made. It goes into chemistry and more detailed into the manufacturning process. It's almost, dare I say, academic.
I am trusting you, that you will only use this for knowledge purposes, there are a few instructions on how to make explosives in this magazine. I will hope that u won't use it :]
if you do, I suggest you go here....
without a further ado, below is the explosion course ^_^