It is peculiarly adapted to submarine work, being unaffected by water. And as it may be kept in water, ready for use, it can be safely carried on board ship in large quantities. It is far more violent in its action when detonated than gunpowder. The chief objection to its use is, that being applied only for special purposes, it is not readily obtained. Also it requires a peculiar and somewhat complicated mode of firing it.
Dynamite.—Dynamite is more easily manufactured than the two foregoing explosives. The fact of it containing nitro-glycerine, which has a bad reputation, has militated against its use as a torpedo explosive agent, though for blasting purposes it is most extensively used. Though not directly affected by water, its firing is hindered when diffused through water. Another disadvantage is its high freezing point. Like gun-cotton, it requires special means to fire it, though much simpler, and also is much more powerful than gunpowder. The explosive effect of dynamite or gun-cotton is a rending or a shattering one, while that of gunpowder is an uplifting or heaving one.
Again, it is necessary when using gunpowder that the object be in the line of least resistance, but with dynamite or gun-cotton the effect is nearly equal in every direction, therefore for submarine operations, either dynamite or gun-cotton is the explosive agent that should be invariably used.
Size of Torpedo Charges.—For permanent mines, a charge of 700 lbs. to 1000 lbs. of gun-cotton is quite sufficient, though too large a charge cannot be employed, except as regards the matter of convenience.
For buoyant mines, 500 lbs. to 700 lbs. of gun-cotton is an ample charge, and for contact mines, 200 lbs. to 300 lbs. of gun-cotton is sufficient. In spar torpedoes, where lightness is a consideration, gun-cotton charges of 30 lbs. to 50 lbs. will be found ample, and similarly in the case of the towing or locomotive torpedoes. Of course, with regard to such a submarine weapon as the Lay torpedo boat, any size charge may be carried, according to the wish of the builder.
Torpedo Explosions illustrated.—At [Fig. 166] is represented a sketch of a torpedo explosion, from a photograph taken at the moment the column of water was at its greatest elevation. The torpedo contained 432 lbs. of gun-cotton, and was exploded under 27 feet of water.
The height of the column thrown up measured 81 feet, and the diameter at the base 132 feet.
SUBMARINE MINE EXPLOSION.
