Michael_Edelman%Wayne-MTS@um.cc.umich.edu (10/28/89)
From: Michael_Edelman%Wayne-MTS@um.cc.umich.edu Just finished "Gunship", a fictionalized version of the experiences of a SPECTRE gunship navigator in Vietnam. He mentions something called "milsch metal" projectiles for the 40mm Bofors gun that appeared to have some self-igniting properties. Can anyone provide details? [mod.note: I've heard of "mischmetal", an alloy of metallic rare earths. According to my Metals Handbook, it runs about 50% cerium, remainder mostly lanthanum and neodymium. Never heard of projectiles made of the stuff, though. - Bill ]
mmm@apple.com (10/30/89)
From: portal!cup.portal.com!mmm@apple.com Cerium is used in an alloy with iron to make "Sparkmetall", a material used for lighter flints. Though not self-igniting, it might play a role in an ignition mechanism for a projectile. Sparkmetall was developed about 100 years ago by Austrian Baron Auer von Welsbach, who developed a thriving business producing the first practical cigarette lighter. I believe he also developed the Welsbach mantle, a thorium-based ceramic used for gas illumination. The company he founded was a major supplier of heavy elements for German research in atomic energy during WW2.