EXPLOSIVE SHELL Meaning and
Definition
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An explosive shell is a munition designed for use in artillery, tanks, or other weapons that is specifically constructed to detonate upon impact or in proximity to a target, thereby inflicting damage through the release of a powerful explosive force. The term "explosive shell" often refers to a projectile or warhead that contains a combination of high-explosive materials and a fuse mechanism.
This type of munition typically comprises a shell casing filled with explosive material, such as TNT (trinitrotoluene) or RDX (cyclotrimethylenetrinitramine), both known for their high brisance. The explosive material within the shell is engineered to generate an intense explosion upon ignition, producing a devastating shockwave that can cripple or destroy the target. The fuse mechanism embedded within the shell detects the moment of impact or a particular proximity to the target and triggers the explosion, maximizing the shell's destructive potential.
Explosive shells have been extensively used in both modern warfare and throughout history due to their lethal capabilities against enemy personnel, vehicles, fortifications, or other military targets. The design of explosive shells has evolved over time to maximize their destructive efficiency, with advancements in explosives technology leading to the development of more potent and reliable munitions. In recent times, explosive shells have become increasingly sophisticated, often incorporating additional features such as fragmentation sleeves or pre-formed fragments to augment their lethality.
Etymology of EXPLOSIVE SHELL
The word "explosive" is derived from the Latin word "explosivus", which comes from "explodere", meaning "to drive out by clapping". In the late 16th century, "explosive" was first used to describe something that could cause a sudden bursting or release of energy.
The term "shell" has a different origin. It comes from the Old English word "scealu", meaning "husk" or "nutshell". Originally, "shell" referred to the hard outer covering of certain fruits or nuts before it was applied to other objects. In military contexts, "shell" started being used to describe the payload of a projectile that could be fired from a cannon or artillery piece.
The combination of these two words, "explosive shell", first emerged in the mid-19th century with the development of modern artillery.
