Fuse (explosives)

This article is about simple fuses for detonating explosives. For military munitions fuzes, see Fuze.
A smoke bomb with a lit fuse

In an explosive, pyrotechnic device, or military munition, a fuse (or fuze) is the part of the device that initiates function. In common usage, the word fuse is used indiscriminately. However, when being specific (and in particular in a military context), the term fuse[1] describes a simple pyrotechnic initiating device, like the cord on a firecracker whereas the term fuze[2][unreliable source?][3][4] is used when referring to a more sophisticated ignition device incorporating mechanical and/or electronic components, such as a proximity fuze for an M107 artillery shell, magnetic or acoustic fuze on a sea mine, spring-loaded grenade fuze,[5][6][7] pencil detonator, or anti-handling device.[8]

  1. ^ Davis, Tenney L. (1943). The Chemistry of Powder and Explosives. Vol. I & II (reprint ed.). Hollywood, California: Angriff Press. p. 6. ISBN 0913022-00-4.
  2. ^ "Junghans Feinwerktechnik - Modern Fuzes for Today's Armed Forces". Army Technology. 2011-06-15. Archived from the original on 2012-05-29. Retrieved 2011-11-12.
  3. ^ "Chapter 14 Fuzing". Fas.org. 2008-05-30. Retrieved 2011-11-12.
  4. ^ http://www.janes.com/extracts/extract/jmvl/del02063.html[dead link‍]
  5. ^ "Grenade fuze - Patent 4063514". Freepatentsonline.com. 1977-12-20. Retrieved 2013-09-14.
  6. ^ US 3618522, Henderson, John E., "Dual Safety Grenade Fuze", published 1969-09-29, issued 1971-11-09, assigned to Hamilton Watch Company 
  7. ^ Ammunition Peculiar Equipment (APE) 1955 Grenade Fuze Tester MIL-STD-398 Test (PDF) (Report). U.S. Army Defense Ammunition Center and School. March 1996. ADA312253. Archived (PDF) from the original on June 30, 2016.
  8. ^ "Archived copy" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 2009-03-19. Retrieved 2008-08-03.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)