Chinese scientists have successfully tested a hydrogen-based explosive device capable of triggering powerful chemical chain reactions without the use of nuclear components. About this informs China Morning Post.
A 2 kg bomb was used for the test. The explosion produced a fireball with a temperature of more than 1,000°C, which lasted for more than two seconds—15 times longer than a typical explosion of the same amount of TNT.
The development of the device was carried out by the scientific division of the China State Shipbuilding Corporation (CSSC), which specializes in the creation of underwater weapons. The device uses a solid hydrogen carrier created on the basis of magnesium. It is a silvery powder known as magnesium hydride, which is able to store a much larger volume of hydrogen than ordinary pressurized gas cylinders.
According to the researchers, after initiation by conventional explosives, magnesium hydride rapidly decomposes under the influence of temperature, releasing hydrogen. Hydrogen ignites instantly, creating a long and intense fire wave. It is noted that such a bomb can cause serious thermal damage – the temperature of the fireball, which lasts much longer than the 0.12-second TNT flash, is capable of melting aluminum alloys.
A team led by researcher Wang Xuefeng conducted a series of experiments that confirmed the potential of this technology as a directed energy weapon. Other possible options for combat use are also being considered, in particular, the use of hydrogen weapons to cover large areas with intense heat or to focus its action on strategically important targets in order to destroy them.
