witpqs
Posts: 26087
Joined: 10/4/2004 From: Argleton Status: offline
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Sid, You were looking for data on the size of explosive charges in armor piercing shells. In my reading I have found a little data on Japanese naval shells. Note, that although the bursting charges seem small, a real target would also receive considerable damage via penetration itself and the transfer of kinetic energy (in the form of heat, shock waves, and momentum imparted to debris further causing damage). This would be true even if the shell passed completely through the target – it leaves a hole, can start fires, sends shrapnel flying, etc. Japanese Shell / Length / Weight / Bursting charge 8 inch AP 3 feet long 277 pounds 6.9 pounds 14 inch HE 5 feet long 1,425 pounds 63 pounds 18.1 inch AP 6.5 feet long 3,219 pounds 75 pounds This is from James D. Hornfischer, “The Last Stand of the Tin Can Sailors”, 206. The chapter notes cite the source as “Japanese Naval Guns”, www.warships1.com/Weapons/WNJAP_main.htm, updated Sept. 10, 2002. I realize this is very little data – and you might not like the source, but it's 'I got what I got', so I'm passing it along in case it is helpful. I also realize that you might already have other data, but this might be useful for comparison. A note about the website – I am unable to connect to it. I've tried www.warships.com, and although I get a connection it is a blank page. Can't vouch for any of this - but now you got what I got.
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