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
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