A graphite bomb is intended to be a non-lethal weapon used to disable an electrical grid. The bomb works by spreading a dense cloud of extremely fine, chemically treated carbon filaments over air-insulated high voltage installations like transformers and power lines, causing short-circuits and subsequent disruption of the electricity supply in an area, a region or even an entire small country. The weapon is sometimes referred to as a blackout bomb or soft bomb because its direct effects are largely confined to the targeted electrical power facility, with minimal risk of immediate collateral damage. However, since water supply systems and sewage treatment systems depend on electricity, widespread outbreaks of cholera and other waterborne diseases, causing large numbers of civilian deaths, have in the past been the direct consequence of this bomb's use.[1]
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A graphite bomb consists of a metal canister that is filled with spools of graphite filament and an explosive device.[2] The American version is typically labeled "BLU-114/B". BLU is a military acronym for "bomb live unit". Once the bomb is ejected from a plane or missile, the device's explosive is activated. The explosive detonates ejecting the graphite filaments from the metal canister. The filaments unwind and drift down until (hopefully in the intention of the attacker) some will straddle high voltage power distribution lines, usually consisting of several uninsulated wires, and establish an electrical connection between two or more wires by resting on them.[how?] Graphite is a sufficiently good conductor and the current flowing in the fiber immediately vaporizes it, creating a thin channel of gas, ionized by the high temperature, around the space previously occupied by the fiber. The ionized gas, also a conductor, allows more current to flow, raising the temperature further and creating a bigger channel of ionized gas until the high voltage line is effectively short circuited. At this point either the protection of the line cuts the power, or the line fails due to overcurrent. In both cases the power distribution is cut.[citation needed]
South Korea has announced plans to build graphite bombs for use against North Korea to paralyse its electric grid in the event of a new war breaking out on the Korean Peninsula,[3] subject to funding from the country's finance ministry.[4] The weapons have been developed by South Korea's Agency for Defense Development, Yonhap news agency reported, as one element of the kill chain pre-emptive strike program.[3] Contractors were selected in and the weapons are intended to be delivered by .[5]
The effects of a graphite bomb can be mitigated by providing insulation.[6] However, most power lines are not insulated in practice due to the high costs involved.[7]
We rely on electric circuits every day, in our homes, schools and places of work, as well as in our portable gadgets and kitchens. In this activity, a circuit drawn by a pencil conducts electricity to light an LED.
You’ll need to get hold of an LED, some wires and crocodile clips – these are all available cheaply online or from high street electronics shops.
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Softer pencils, such as a 4B, have a greater graphite-to-clay ratio than harder pencils, such as a 4H.
Pencil ‘lead’ is made of graphite mixed with clay. Graphite is a form of carbon, and is a conductor of electricity: the carbon atoms’ electrons can move within the material. The pencil line on the paper is a continuous trail of graphite. This trail is a route along which electrons flow – from the negative to the positive terminal of the battery – forming an electric current that lights the LED.
Graphite is only a fairly good conductor, and longer circuits have more resistance to current flow. That’s why touching the crocodile clip at different points along the line can make the LED brighter or dimmer.
There are electric circuits throughout your home, taking electricity to and from lights, toasters, televisions and lots of other things. Those circuits are made of copper wire, not the graphite from a pencil.
Pure graphite is made of carbon atoms only, connected together in hexagonal rings that form sheets. In scientists in Manchester discovered a form of graphite called graphene, which is a single sheet of graphite one atom thick. Graphene is 200 times stronger than steel, transparent and flexible. It’s the thinnest and most conductive material known – and it’s flexible and cheap. It could help engineers develop flexible smartphones and plastics that conduct electricity.
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