Shell Malfunctions

The period of the Ardennes counteroffensive saw the start of a series of mortar shell malfunctions which were to plague the battalions for most of the winter of 1944-45. These malfunctions were of two types barrel bursts, in which the round prematurely exploded within the barrel and muzzle bursts, in which the round exploded after leaving the barrel but still within the vicinity of the mortar emplacement. 

In December 1944 ETOUSA impounded several lots of chemical mortar ammunition suspected of containing faulty shells. Periodically thereafter, as muzzle and barrel bursts occurred, other ammunition 

Immediate Rpt 39, Batte Interv. (4) St. John, Chemical Opns in France. 

Mortar shell misfires reached a peak in January 1945. In one lo-day period two mortar battalions attached to First Army experienced a total of five barrel or muzzle bursts resulting in serious injury to four men. These accidents happened despite careful checking and the observance of precautionary measures. One serious result of these malfunctions was that mortar crews were beginning to show fear of their weapon.  

Concern for this serious situation in the theater naturally extended to the Office of the Chief, CWS, in Washington. The few zone of interior malfunctions had been thoroughly investigated and were found to have been caused in practically every case by a faulty fuze. The increase of misfires overseas prompted General Porter in January 1945 to send to Europe an investigating mission headed by General Bullene. A definite correlation between extreme cold weather and 

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Many different explosives were tested. Attempts were made to produce explosives in World War I that would also produce toxic gases or fumes. Other explosives that used cheap and plentiful raw materials were also in demand. Finally, many of the fuses or detonators in shells malfunctioned, and... 

Rpt of Malfunctions, Abstract, pp. I-II. (a) See Brophy, Miles, and Cochrane, From Labort-tory to Field, Chapter XV, for more on mortar shell malfunction. 

Many different explosives were tested. Attanpts were made to produce explosives in World War I that would also produce toxic gases or fumes. Other explosives that used cheap and plentiful raw materials were also in demand. Finally, many of the fuses or detonators in shells malfunctioned, and explosives were sought for use that would more surely detonate on impact bnt not detonate npon handling or firing. Lyconite, various chlorates and perchlorates, azides of lead, strontium and thallium, and hydrazine nitfate were tested. Much of this work occurred at the AUES, but many of these private companies also had laboratories where this experimentation took place. 

And these two malfunctions are also the most common problems we encounter in the design and operation of shell-and-tube heat exchangers, used in total condensation service. 

Nigotanoyaku Mk 2) ll)S.Fleisch-nick, "Investigation of Malfunctioning of Composition B Loaded 105mm 130E1 Shell",... 

Safety features. This fuze is classified as bore-safe. It is equipped with safety devices that keep the bursting charge from exploding while the shell is in the barrel—even should the primer or detonator malfunction. 

There is no way of knowing how many unsatisfactory shells were produced and tested before arriving at the best solutions, or just how effective the chosen method was in most cases. However, it appears that it took four people a month and a half to solve just one problem with one type of shell designed for static testing, indicating a substantial number of dud shells. Similar research details an extensive effort to develop an all ways fuse for the Stokes and Livens mortars, suggesting more malfunctions. In all probability, there are numerous isolated dud rounds that must be located and cleared. 

There has been considerable controversy over the failure of breast implants and the subsequent contamination of breast tissue. Implants typically consist of an elastomeric shell with a soft filling inside. Over time and due to mechanical failure, the implant filling leaks into the breast tissue. This contamination may lead to various complications including capsular contracture, calcification, and some connective tissue disorders. Controversial aspects of the results of malfunction have not prevented numerous lawsuits. However, to assess any histopathological changes, it is first necessary to confirm the presence of material from the implant in tissue. The presence of silicone could be readily detected [111] in a tissue section using FTIR imaging. Si-CH3 characteristic vibrations were used to provide chemical... 

The CWS supply problems began to multiply with the September 1944 supply crisis. Most of tbese problems arose not because of the malfunctioning of the distribution system but because of a general shortage of supplies, equipment, and transportation. The CWS problem was increased by the flaws in certain chemical items, notably chemical mortar shell, spare parts, and protective materials. 

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