Page 623 radio acoustic ranging 666 



TNT has a high chemical stabihty, even when subjected to a temperature as 

 high as 65° C. for a considerable period. At 180° C. there is a slow evolution of gas 

 and at 300° C. it ignites. Wlien a small unconfined quantity is ignited, it burns 

 slowly, giving forth a dense black smoke. It is quite insensitive to friction or ordinary 

 shock, but it can be detonated by severe impact between metal surfaces or by a rifle 

 bullet. 



TNT, in crystalline form, is readily exploded with a No. 6 detonator. Wlien 

 compressed to a high density (packed bj/ hand, its density may range from 0.75 to 

 1.0) a No. 8 detonator is required, and when cast in blocks a booster charge of crys- 

 talline TNT or other sensitive explosive is necessary to obtain detonation. In 

 R.A.R., a No. 6 detonator will serve satisfactorily to explode ji- and ji- pint bombs, but 

 a No. 8 detonator is required to explode consistently 1-pint and 1-quart bombs. The 

 latter sometimes fail to explode even when a No. 8 detonator is used, because the tops 

 of the cans may be blown off before the TNT is detonated. It is sometimes possible to 

 facilitate detonation either by securing the tops more firmly or by placing one or two 

 extra detonators in the TNT adjacent to the detonator in which the fuse is inserted. 



All TNT is poisonous under certain conditions and proper precautions must be 

 taken by those handling it to avoid inhaling the dust and to avoid uimecessary contact 

 with it. The place where it is to be handled must be well ventilated, and the use 

 of a dust mask is advised. Rubber gloves should be worn, or the hands may be pro- 

 tected by washing them in advance in a lotion which is made as follows: 



To Yi ounce of borax, placed in a boiler, add 280 cubic centimeters of distilled water. Heat to a boiling point, then add 

 2.2 ounces of casein. After the casein is dissolved, add an additional 2f0 cubic centimeters of distilled water and let cool. When this 

 solution is placed on the hands and allowed to dry, it closes and protects the jjores. 



Clothing that has become impregnated with TNT must not be worn thereafter. 

 Boxes in which TNT is supplied, especially grade B, become impregnated in time. 

 This does not reduce the effectiveness of the explosive, but the boxes become highly 

 inflammable and, if sufficiently impregnated, they may be exploded in a manner 

 similar to low-grade dynamite. Therefore, TNT must not be left in contact with 

 wooden parts of the ship for any period of time, and the wooden boxes in which it is 

 packed must be disposed of promptly after they are emptied. 



TNT should be handled as little as possible and kept free from dust, oil, acid, and 

 alkali. It should be kept dry and not exposed to direct sunlight or subjected to high 

 temperature. In case of a serious fire near TNT, a violent explosion is likely. 



If the vessel has an ammunition magazine, the supply of TNT must be stowed in 

 it at all times. The flooding system of the magazine should always be in proper working 

 order and the temperature in the magazine should be taken frequently enough to 

 detect any important change. Nothing except explosives and bombs shall be kept 

 in the magazine. Prepared bombs should be stored in boxes or secured in racks. 

 The magazine shall be opened only with the permission of the executive officer, who 

 shall have charge of the key. Whenever the magazine is open it shall be under the 

 constant supervision of the chief bomber (see 6714). 



If the vessel is not provided with a magazine, the TNT supply should be stowed 

 in a locker, lined with an inert metal such as copper, zinc, or lead, from which sparks 

 cannot be struck. This locker should be constructed and secured on the afterdeck of 

 the ship in a mann(?r so that it can be thrown overboard quickly and easily in case of a 

 serious fire on board. 



