A grenade is a small explosive weapon that is designed to be thrown by hand, typically with a pin or lever mechanism to initiate its detonation. It is commonly used in military operations to inflict damage on enemy forces or disrupt their positions. The core purpose of a grenade is to project shrapnel and cause destruction within a specific radius upon detonation.
The outer shell of a grenade is usually made of metal or plastic, encompassing the explosive material inside. This enclosed chamber contains an ignition system, such as a fuse or friction igniter, which triggers the explosive charge upon activation. After the ignition is initiated, the user pulls the safety pin and releases the lever, resulting in the grenade's explosion shortly after being thrown.
Upon detonation, the explosive force of a grenade propels metal fragments, known as shrapnel, in all directions, causing devastating injuries and destruction to targets within its blast radius. These shrapnel fragments disperse rapidly, increasing the likelihood of injuring or eliminating enemy combatants or damaging nearby structures and equipment.
Different variations of grenades exist, including fragmentation grenades, smoke grenades, stun grenades, and incendiary grenades, each with their own unique purpose and effects. The fragmentation grenade, for instance, disperses shrapnel, while smoke grenades release a dense cloud of smoke for concealment. Stun grenades emit a blinding flash and loud noise to disorient or temporarily incapacitate targets, whereas incendiary grenades produce flames to set objects or locations ablaze.
