BALLISTITE Meaning and
Definition
-
Ballistite is a type of smokeless propellant used in firearms and rockets, characterized by its stability and efficiency. It is a common explosive material, often composed of a mixture of nitrocellulose, a highly flammable compound formed by nitration of cellulose, and a small percentage of nitroglycerin.
Ballistite was first developed in the late 19th century by the Italian engineer and general Enrico Fermi. It quickly gained popularity due to its superior ballistic performance and clean-burning nature compared to the black powder, which was widely used at the time. This propellant is primarily used in small arms ammunition, providing reliable ignition and controlled combustion. Additionally, ballistite also finds applications in rocket propellants, specifically for low-thrust engines.
What sets ballistite apart is its stability and reduced smoke production during combustion. It is designed to burn progressively and uniformly, ensuring consistent acceleration of the projectile and efficient energy transfer. The combination of nitrocellulose and nitroglycerin provides excellent thermal stability, meaning that it is less prone to spontaneous combustion or degradation over time. Moreover, ballistite produces lower amounts of smoke and residue compared to other propellants, making it a cleaner and more efficient choice.
Overall, ballistite stands as a testament to the advancements in propellant technology, offering superior performance, reliability, and cleanliness to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of firearms and rockets.
Common Misspellings for BALLISTITE
Etymology of BALLISTITE
The word "Ballistite" is derived from the combination of two elements: "ballist-" and "-ite".
The first part, "ballist-", comes from the term "ballistic", which is related to the study of projectiles and their motion. The word "ballistic" originates from the Latin word "ballisticus", which in turn comes from the Greek word "ballistikos". Both terms refer to weaponry that is thrown or discharged, such as projectiles or missiles.
The second part, "-ite", is a suffix that is commonly used in the field of chemistry to denote a compound or mineral. It often indicates a substance's classification or identification.
When combined, the term "Ballistite" was coined to represent a specific type of smokeless powder invented by Nobel laureate Alfred Nobel in 1887.
Similar spelling words for BALLISTITE
- baluster,
- ballesteros,
- balistes,
- Ballista,
- balistidae,
- ballester,
- balistreri,
- ballistic,
- ballast,
- balusters,
- ballistics.
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
