Cordite

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Cordite was a solid propellant used in various grades by the Royal Navy from 1889, replacing brown powder propellant. It has received a somewhat poor reputation, being widely held responsible for the loss of a number of warships owing to catastrophic magazine explosions.

History

Composition of Cordite Mark I[1]
Ingredient. Percentage.
Nitroglycerin 58%
Nitrocellulose
(Nitrogen)
37%
(13.1%)
Petroleum Jelly 5%
Composition of Cordite MD[2]
Ingredient. Percentage.
Nitroglycerin 30%
Nitrocellulose
(Nitrogen)
65%
(Average 13.1%)
Petroleum Jelly 5%

Cordite Mark I began to be manufactured in 1889. It was first distributed to the Fleet in 1893 as propellant for 6-inch, 4.7-inch, 6-pdr, and 3-pdr Q.F. guns.[3]

With Cordite MD, first delivered in 1901, the calories per gram on burning (water as liquid) were reduced from 1,270 to 1,020.[4]

Footnotes

  1. Campbell. p. 140.
  2. Campbell. p. 140.
  3. Campbell. p. 140.
  4. Campbell. p. 140.

Bibliography