Explosives Studied In CSI
What is dynamite and how does it work?
Dynamite is a form of nitro-glycerine. Nitro-glycerine is a very sensitive explosive that will explode upon impact or coming in contact with friction. It was Alfred Nobel that desensitized nitro-glycerine by coating it onto wood chips. Dynamite is a form of desensitized nitro-glycerine.
What is an ammonium nitrate explosive and how does it work?
Ammonium nitrate explosives are generally referred to as ANFO explosives, and it consists of ammonium nitrate mixed with oil. It's a very common explosive, commercially available, a very inexpensive explosive, and for the most part it has replaced dynamite as the most important commercially available explosive.
What are homemade bombs and how do they work?
Homemade bombs come in all different sizes, shapes and configurations. They're made from commonly available commercial materials such as black powder, such as sugar in combination with bleach, and there's an interesting new homemade explosive known as TATP which originated in the Middle East.
What are liquid bombs and how do they work?
One of the most dangerous homemade bombs today emanated in the Middle East. It's known as 'TATP' and it's been known to cause explosions in England and other countries on the European continent. It is a very dangerous explosion because it can literally be made in a bathtub, and it can be made by individuals who have no background in chemistry or physics. It mainly consists of acetone and hydrogen peroxide, and for this reason passengers are not permitted to carry liquids onto an airplane today because of the fear that they may be carrying 'TATP'.
Are commercial airplanes really susceptible to liquid bombs?
Yes and no. A liquid bomb or a liquid explosive can be made by an individual if they desire to. However the ingredients of these explosives or liquids are difficult to come by, but if an individual isn't so inclined it can be done and for that reason we have to be aware and on guard.
What explosives do the military use, and how do they work?
The military has a number of explosives at its disposal. The more common ones are known as RDX and PET, and these are very powerful and very potent explosives. They do need a detonator. That is a source or a minor source of another explosive to set the major charge off.
