Question

Why do shells explode when they hit something at lower speeds like buildings, but not when they hit their targets at high speed?

Answer 1

Shells or projectiles can behave differently depending on the speed at which they impact a target. When a shell hits a target at lower speeds, such as when it strikes a building, it may explode upon impact due to the design and nature of the explosive ammunition.

The explosion of a shell upon impact is typically caused by a combination of factors:

1. Fuze: Shells are equipped with fuzes, which are devices that initiate the explosion of the shell. Fuzes can be set to detonate upon impact, a certain delay after impact, or even proximity to the target. When the shell strikes a building at a lower speed, the fuze may be designed to detonate upon contact with a solid surface, causing the shell to explode.

2. Impact Energy: At lower speeds, the impact energy of the shell hitting the building may not be sufficient to penetrate deeply or cause significant damage to the target. As a result, the energy of the impact is concentrated in a smaller area, increasing the likelihood of the shell detonating upon impact.

On the other hand, when shells hit their intended targets at high speeds, such as other vehicles or military targets, they are designed to penetrate and inflict damage rather than explode immediately. Here's why:

1. Penetration: Shells designed for anti-vehicle or anti-armor purposes are typically equipped with armor-piercing capabilities. They are engineered to withstand high-speed impacts and penetrate through the target's armor before detonating. These shells are designed to maintain their structural integrity and resist detonation until they have penetrated the target's defenses.

2. Delayed Fuzes: Shells intended for penetration typically have fuzes that are set to explode after a short delay. This delay allows the shell to penetrate the target's armor before detonation occurs. By delaying the explosion, the shell maximizes its chances of reaching the target's vital components before the detonation takes place, thereby maximizing its destructive potential.

In summary, shells may explode upon impact with buildings or other structures at lower speeds due to the design of the ammunition and fuzes. However, shells intended for penetrating targets at high speeds are designed to withstand impact, penetrate armor, and detonate after a short delay to maximize their effectiveness against the intended target.