Blasting cap
Blasting Cap
A blasting cap is a small sensitive device that is used to detonate a larger, more stable main charge. Blasting caps come in a variety of types, including electric types and non-electric types. They are used in a wide range of applications, from construction and demolition to mining and military use.
History[edit | edit source]
The first blasting cap was invented in 1745 by English engineer William Watson. Watson's device used a small amount of black powder to ignite a larger charge. This basic design has been refined and improved over the centuries, but the basic principle remains the same.
Design and Function[edit | edit source]
A blasting cap contains a small amount of highly sensitive primary explosive. When this primary explosive is detonated, it releases a shock wave that triggers the detonation of the main charge. The main charge is typically a less sensitive secondary explosive, such as TNT, C-4, or ammonium nitrate.
Types of Blasting Caps[edit | edit source]
There are several types of blasting caps, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. The two main types are electric blasting caps and non-electric blasting caps.
Electric Blasting Caps[edit | edit source]
Electric blasting caps are detonated by an electric current. The current heats a bridge wire or a thin film inside the cap, which ignites the primary explosive. Electric blasting caps are reliable and easy to use, but they can be accidentally detonated by stray electrical currents or radio waves.
Non-Electric Blasting Caps[edit | edit source]
Non-electric blasting caps are detonated by a shock tube, a small-diameter plastic tube filled with a small amount of explosive material. When the shock tube is ignited, it sends a shock wave down the tube to the blasting cap. Non-electric blasting caps are safer to handle than electric blasting caps, but they are more expensive and less versatile.
Safety and Handling[edit | edit source]
Blasting caps are extremely sensitive and must be handled with care. They should never be handled by untrained individuals. Accidental detonation can result in serious injury or death.
See Also[edit | edit source]
Search WikiMD
Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD
|
WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia |
| Let Food Be Thy Medicine Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates |
Translate this page: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
தமிழ்,
తెలుగు,
Urdu,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
বাংলা
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
Greek,
português do Brasil,
polski,
română,
русский,
Nederlands,
norsk,
svenska,
suomi,
Italian
Middle Eastern & African
عربى,
Turkish,
Persian,
Hebrew,
Afrikaans,
isiZulu,
Kiswahili,
Other
Bulgarian,
Hungarian,
Czech,
Swedish,
മലയാളം,
मराठी,
ਪੰਜਾਬੀ,
ગુજરાતી,
Portuguese,
Ukrainian
Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.
Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD
