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A pipe bomb is a simple type of improvised explosive device favoured by criminals, a piece of pipe filled with an explosive material. The pressure of the burning explosive material ruptures the pipe resulting in a sudden, explosive release. The rupturing pipe creates fragmentation, which can lead to injury.
Premature detonation is a hazard of attempting to construct homemade bombs. Instances of such unintentional detonation are common, and usually result in serious injury or death to the assembler.
In many countries the manufacture or possession of a pipe bomb is a serious crime, regardless of its intended use.
Design
There are at least two types of pipe bombs, those reaction between chemicals/gases, such as chlorate with sugar. The more potent types also use TNT. The fuse can be any military grade cord or fireworks fuse, or it can be an electrical component. The use of black powder, and especially match heads or chlorate mixtures as filler is to be avoided since these present risk of ignition by the friction and static electricity generated when packing the material inside the tube.
The bomb itself is usually a metal pipe, capped at both ends with steel or brass caps containing the filler. A fuse is inserted into the pipe with a lead running out through a hole in the side or capped end of the pipe. The fuse can be electronic with wires leading to a timer and battery or can be a common wick used in most consumer fireworks. The fuse along with the black powder can be bought at some gun stores or fireworks stores.
Uses
These can be used for a variety of purposes. They have been used as weapons as happened at the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta, Georgia, or in the Columbine High School Massacre in Littleton, Colorado. Sometimes sharp objects, such as nails or broken glass, are added to the bomb in an attempt to increase the amount of injury.
Often explosives made with pipes are constructed for amusement or mischief. These are generally thought of as fireworks by the user. The construction of these is not meant to cause injury to anyone and are often made of a plastic pipe, such as PVC or even a thick walled cardboard tube. They are sometimes set off on or about a particular holiday such as New Years or the 4th of July in the United States. The legality of these can vary depending on the amount of powder that is placed into the pipe. If there is no harm to any people or property, the use of these is often ignored by law enforcement, especially around specific holidays.
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"Pipe bomb"