Ice scalpel for explosive

Researchers from the Tula State University suggest that a stream of water mixed with granules of ice released at high pressure could open a tin containing explosives, dismantle a retired nuclear reactor or bombs. In their opinion, this is the safest way to separate metal from nitrocompounds - explosive and powder.

The engineers have calculated that the frozen stream should be able to cut through weapons casing and wash the contents clear, under a remote operating system.

They have already partly tested the system and shown that water mixed with an abrasive can slice through 3mm of aluminium or chop a 6mm steel bar at rates of 0.5mm to 3.2mm a second. In theory, such a jet could wash explosive powders out through a fuse hole. But the researchers have yet to test their water pistols on the real thing.

Via The Guardian < Informnauka.