Mixing
Bolas + Explosives + Magnets: Fun or Failure?
Clash Royale CLAN TAG#URR8PPP
up vote
3
down vote
favorite
I have a character who bills himself as an explosives experimenter. He wants to try something new with explosives.
He knows how to make a bolas and has the materials to make one. However, he has this idea to make the simple bolas a little more dangerous.
In place of stones, he has hollow iron balls. He wants to fill them with an explosive substance and rig them with some kind of fuse that will trigger once the bolas have hit a target. I'm currently thinking the fuse to be triggered by a set of magnets in the bolas that, when the balls come together, have some kind of interaction/reaction to light the fuse in each ball and trigger an explosion.
Is this a good way to implement a set of exploding bolas, or is this type of weapon dead on arrival?
weapons medieval-europe
asked 2 hours ago
Frostfyre
17.5k964126
 |Â
show 5 more comments
up vote
3
down vote
favorite
I have a character who bills himself as an explosives experimenter. He wants to try something new with explosives.
He knows how to make a bolas and has the materials to make one. However, he has this idea to make the simple bolas a little more dangerous.
In place of stones, he has hollow iron balls. He wants to fill them with an explosive substance and rig them with some kind of fuse that will trigger once the bolas have hit a target. I'm currently thinking the fuse to be triggered by a set of magnets in the bolas that, when the balls come together, have some kind of interaction/reaction to light the fuse in each ball and trigger an explosion.
Is this a good way to implement a set of exploding bolas, or is this type of weapon dead on arrival?
weapons medieval-europe
asked 2 hours ago
Frostfyre
17.5k964126
What tech level are we talking here? It’s a pretty trivial problem with accelerometers and a microprocessor, but managing with renaissance-level tech might be a bit trickier...
– Joe Bloggs
2 hours ago
2
The bola is specifically designed to capture animals, preferably without doing damage to that valuable meat and fur, explosives are in direct opposition to that aim.why would you want this when a bow or gun would do a better job of killing the beast? That being said as a show-weapon it could have a lot of potential
– Ummdustry
2 hours ago
1
I must say, I'd be truly terrified to arm that weapon. So many things could go wrong!
– Cort Ammon
2 hours ago
1
@Ummdustry Guns aren't a thing in this setting, so that's off the table, and the character isn't particularly skilled with a bow. And when you're a monster-hunting explosives expert, you want some kind of ranged weapon.
– Frostfyre
2 hours ago
1
K.I.S.S. and launch the bombs using a sling.
– RonJohn
2 hours ago
 |Â
show 5 more comments
up vote
3
down vote
favorite
up vote
3
down vote
favorite
I have a character who bills himself as an explosives experimenter. He wants to try something new with explosives.
He knows how to make a bolas and has the materials to make one. However, he has this idea to make the simple bolas a little more dangerous.
In place of stones, he has hollow iron balls. He wants to fill them with an explosive substance and rig them with some kind of fuse that will trigger once the bolas have hit a target. I'm currently thinking the fuse to be triggered by a set of magnets in the bolas that, when the balls come together, have some kind of interaction/reaction to light the fuse in each ball and trigger an explosion.
Is this a good way to implement a set of exploding bolas, or is this type of weapon dead on arrival?
weapons medieval-europe
asked 2 hours ago
Frostfyre
17.5k964126
I have a character who bills himself as an explosives experimenter. He wants to try something new with explosives.
He knows how to make a bolas and has the materials to make one. However, he has this idea to make the simple bolas a little more dangerous.
In place of stones, he has hollow iron balls. He wants to fill them with an explosive substance and rig them with some kind of fuse that will trigger once the bolas have hit a target. I'm currently thinking the fuse to be triggered by a set of magnets in the bolas that, when the balls come together, have some kind of interaction/reaction to light the fuse in each ball and trigger an explosion.
Is this a good way to implement a set of exploding bolas, or is this type of weapon dead on arrival?
weapons medieval-europe
weapons medieval-europe
asked 2 hours ago
Frostfyre
17.5k964126
asked 2 hours ago
Frostfyre
17.5k964126
asked 2 hours ago
Frostfyre
17.5k964126
asked 2 hours ago
Frostfyre
17.5k964126
asked 2 hours ago
Frostfyre
17.5k964126
17.5k964126
What tech level are we talking here? It’s a pretty trivial problem with accelerometers and a microprocessor, but managing with renaissance-level tech might be a bit trickier...
– Joe Bloggs
2 hours ago
2
The bola is specifically designed to capture animals, preferably without doing damage to that valuable meat and fur, explosives are in direct opposition to that aim.why would you want this when a bow or gun would do a better job of killing the beast? That being said as a show-weapon it could have a lot of potential
– Ummdustry
2 hours ago
1
I must say, I'd be truly terrified to arm that weapon. So many things could go wrong!
– Cort Ammon
2 hours ago
1
@Ummdustry Guns aren't a thing in this setting, so that's off the table, and the character isn't particularly skilled with a bow. And when you're a monster-hunting explosives expert, you want some kind of ranged weapon.
– Frostfyre
2 hours ago
1
K.I.S.S. and launch the bombs using a sling.
– RonJohn
2 hours ago
 |Â
show 5 more comments
What tech level are we talking here? It’s a pretty trivial problem with accelerometers and a microprocessor, but managing with renaissance-level tech might be a bit trickier...
– Joe Bloggs
2 hours ago
2
The bola is specifically designed to capture animals, preferably without doing damage to that valuable meat and fur, explosives are in direct opposition to that aim.why would you want this when a bow or gun would do a better job of killing the beast? That being said as a show-weapon it could have a lot of potential
– Ummdustry
2 hours ago
1
I must say, I'd be truly terrified to arm that weapon. So many things could go wrong!
– Cort Ammon
2 hours ago
1
@Ummdustry Guns aren't a thing in this setting, so that's off the table, and the character isn't particularly skilled with a bow. And when you're a monster-hunting explosives expert, you want some kind of ranged weapon.
– Frostfyre
2 hours ago
1
K.I.S.S. and launch the bombs using a sling.
– RonJohn
2 hours ago
What tech level are we talking here? It’s a pretty trivial problem with accelerometers and a microprocessor, but managing with renaissance-level tech might be a bit trickier...
– Joe Bloggs
2 hours ago
What tech level are we talking here? It’s a pretty trivial problem with accelerometers and a microprocessor, but managing with renaissance-level tech might be a bit trickier...
– Joe Bloggs
2 hours ago
2
2
The bola is specifically designed to capture animals, preferably without doing damage to that valuable meat and fur, explosives are in direct opposition to that aim.why would you want this when a bow or gun would do a better job of killing the beast? That being said as a show-weapon it could have a lot of potential
– Ummdustry
2 hours ago
The bola is specifically designed to capture animals, preferably without doing damage to that valuable meat and fur, explosives are in direct opposition to that aim.why would you want this when a bow or gun would do a better job of killing the beast? That being said as a show-weapon it could have a lot of potential
– Ummdustry
2 hours ago
1
1
I must say, I'd be truly terrified to arm that weapon. So many things could go wrong!
– Cort Ammon
2 hours ago
I must say, I'd be truly terrified to arm that weapon. So many things could go wrong!
– Cort Ammon
2 hours ago
1
1
@Ummdustry Guns aren't a thing in this setting, so that's off the table, and the character isn't particularly skilled with a bow. And when you're a monster-hunting explosives expert, you want some kind of ranged weapon.
– Frostfyre
2 hours ago
@Ummdustry Guns aren't a thing in this setting, so that's off the table, and the character isn't particularly skilled with a bow. And when you're a monster-hunting explosives expert, you want some kind of ranged weapon.
– Frostfyre
2 hours ago
1
1
K.I.S.S. and launch the bombs using a sling.
– RonJohn
2 hours ago
K.I.S.S. and launch the bombs using a sling.
– RonJohn
2 hours ago
 |Â
show 5 more comments
3 Answers
3
active
oldest
votes
up vote
3
down vote
Magnets aren’t your best bet. The big issues with them are storage,arming and throwing, aka ‘My balls are sticking together’.
A better bet would be glassware. Small glass vials of near-pure alcohol packed with gunpowder (alcohol causes gunpowder to ignite above a certain ABV, hence the term 100% proof) can be put in a fabric bag around the main projectile interspersed with fast burning fuses. When the bolas hit a target the glass vials (hopefully) smash, igniting the gunpowder, igniting the fuses, detonating the main bomb. Experimentation with the thickness of glass should allow for a pretty safe weapon to transport that still works when thrown.
Potential downsides: might not work against soft targets, your bolas might explode when you try throw them unless you know what you’re doing.
But they’re potential problems with anything but a timed fuse anyway, soooo...
ADDENDUM: The original purpose of the bolas was to ensnare, so even if the bombs don’t go off right away the victim’s struggles to get free might set them off...
answered 2 hours ago
Joe Bloggs
32.3k1894163
add a comment |Â
up vote
3
down vote
You are aiming for a medieval Darwin Awards. And you are only the 1,000,000th person to have a similar idea with medieval explosives.
What is going to keep the magnets from triggering the explosives inside your pocket? And what happens when you let go the bolas at the wrong split second and tie your own feet by accident?
Get some IRL bolas and practice on trees for a while. It is a very effective weapon to tie animals and people, but it is very awkward to use - even more than a boomerang.
You are better served by using late-medieval explosives. Check out this other question:
Explosives in the Middle Ages
answered 1 hour ago
Renan
35.2k1084182
add a comment |Â
up vote
0
down vote
Use regular lit fuse. Bolas are just a delivery system, both for range, and to ensure bombs stay attached to the target until detonation.
To ensure both detonate at the same time, have them connected by the same fuse, and light the middle of it.
answered 1 hour ago
Bald Bear
4,236518
Won't the fire in the middle turn the bola strings to dust midflight?
– Renan
39 mins ago
add a comment |Â
3 Answers
3
active
oldest
votes
3 Answers
3
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
up vote
3
down vote
Magnets aren’t your best bet. The big issues with them are storage,arming and throwing, aka ‘My balls are sticking together’.
A better bet would be glassware. Small glass vials of near-pure alcohol packed with gunpowder (alcohol causes gunpowder to ignite above a certain ABV, hence the term 100% proof) can be put in a fabric bag around the main projectile interspersed with fast burning fuses. When the bolas hit a target the glass vials (hopefully) smash, igniting the gunpowder, igniting the fuses, detonating the main bomb. Experimentation with the thickness of glass should allow for a pretty safe weapon to transport that still works when thrown.
Potential downsides: might not work against soft targets, your bolas might explode when you try throw them unless you know what you’re doing.
But they’re potential problems with anything but a timed fuse anyway, soooo...
ADDENDUM: The original purpose of the bolas was to ensnare, so even if the bombs don’t go off right away the victim’s struggles to get free might set them off...
answered 2 hours ago
Joe Bloggs
32.3k1894163
add a comment |Â
up vote
3
down vote
Magnets aren’t your best bet. The big issues with them are storage,arming and throwing, aka ‘My balls are sticking together’.
A better bet would be glassware. Small glass vials of near-pure alcohol packed with gunpowder (alcohol causes gunpowder to ignite above a certain ABV, hence the term 100% proof) can be put in a fabric bag around the main projectile interspersed with fast burning fuses. When the bolas hit a target the glass vials (hopefully) smash, igniting the gunpowder, igniting the fuses, detonating the main bomb. Experimentation with the thickness of glass should allow for a pretty safe weapon to transport that still works when thrown.
Potential downsides: might not work against soft targets, your bolas might explode when you try throw them unless you know what you’re doing.
But they’re potential problems with anything but a timed fuse anyway, soooo...
ADDENDUM: The original purpose of the bolas was to ensnare, so even if the bombs don’t go off right away the victim’s struggles to get free might set them off...
answered 2 hours ago
Joe Bloggs
32.3k1894163
add a comment |Â
up vote
3
down vote
up vote
3
down vote
Magnets aren’t your best bet. The big issues with them are storage,arming and throwing, aka ‘My balls are sticking together’.
A better bet would be glassware. Small glass vials of near-pure alcohol packed with gunpowder (alcohol causes gunpowder to ignite above a certain ABV, hence the term 100% proof) can be put in a fabric bag around the main projectile interspersed with fast burning fuses. When the bolas hit a target the glass vials (hopefully) smash, igniting the gunpowder, igniting the fuses, detonating the main bomb. Experimentation with the thickness of glass should allow for a pretty safe weapon to transport that still works when thrown.
Potential downsides: might not work against soft targets, your bolas might explode when you try throw them unless you know what you’re doing.
But they’re potential problems with anything but a timed fuse anyway, soooo...
ADDENDUM: The original purpose of the bolas was to ensnare, so even if the bombs don’t go off right away the victim’s struggles to get free might set them off...
answered 2 hours ago
Joe Bloggs
32.3k1894163
Magnets aren’t your best bet. The big issues with them are storage,arming and throwing, aka ‘My balls are sticking together’.
A better bet would be glassware. Small glass vials of near-pure alcohol packed with gunpowder (alcohol causes gunpowder to ignite above a certain ABV, hence the term 100% proof) can be put in a fabric bag around the main projectile interspersed with fast burning fuses. When the bolas hit a target the glass vials (hopefully) smash, igniting the gunpowder, igniting the fuses, detonating the main bomb. Experimentation with the thickness of glass should allow for a pretty safe weapon to transport that still works when thrown.
Potential downsides: might not work against soft targets, your bolas might explode when you try throw them unless you know what you’re doing.
But they’re potential problems with anything but a timed fuse anyway, soooo...
ADDENDUM: The original purpose of the bolas was to ensnare, so even if the bombs don’t go off right away the victim’s struggles to get free might set them off...
answered 2 hours ago
Joe Bloggs
32.3k1894163
edited 2 hours ago
answered 2 hours ago
Joe Bloggs
32.3k1894163
answered 2 hours ago
Joe Bloggs
32.3k1894163
answered 2 hours ago
Joe Bloggs
32.3k1894163
32.3k1894163
add a comment |Â
add a comment |Â
up vote
3
down vote
You are aiming for a medieval Darwin Awards. And you are only the 1,000,000th person to have a similar idea with medieval explosives.
What is going to keep the magnets from triggering the explosives inside your pocket? And what happens when you let go the bolas at the wrong split second and tie your own feet by accident?
Get some IRL bolas and practice on trees for a while. It is a very effective weapon to tie animals and people, but it is very awkward to use - even more than a boomerang.
You are better served by using late-medieval explosives. Check out this other question:
Explosives in the Middle Ages
answered 1 hour ago
Renan
35.2k1084182
add a comment |Â
up vote
3
down vote
You are aiming for a medieval Darwin Awards. And you are only the 1,000,000th person to have a similar idea with medieval explosives.
What is going to keep the magnets from triggering the explosives inside your pocket? And what happens when you let go the bolas at the wrong split second and tie your own feet by accident?
Get some IRL bolas and practice on trees for a while. It is a very effective weapon to tie animals and people, but it is very awkward to use - even more than a boomerang.
You are better served by using late-medieval explosives. Check out this other question:
Explosives in the Middle Ages
answered 1 hour ago
Renan
35.2k1084182
add a comment |Â
up vote
3
down vote
up vote
3
down vote
You are aiming for a medieval Darwin Awards. And you are only the 1,000,000th person to have a similar idea with medieval explosives.
What is going to keep the magnets from triggering the explosives inside your pocket? And what happens when you let go the bolas at the wrong split second and tie your own feet by accident?
Get some IRL bolas and practice on trees for a while. It is a very effective weapon to tie animals and people, but it is very awkward to use - even more than a boomerang.
You are better served by using late-medieval explosives. Check out this other question:
Explosives in the Middle Ages
answered 1 hour ago
Renan
35.2k1084182
You are aiming for a medieval Darwin Awards. And you are only the 1,000,000th person to have a similar idea with medieval explosives.
What is going to keep the magnets from triggering the explosives inside your pocket? And what happens when you let go the bolas at the wrong split second and tie your own feet by accident?
Get some IRL bolas and practice on trees for a while. It is a very effective weapon to tie animals and people, but it is very awkward to use - even more than a boomerang.
You are better served by using late-medieval explosives. Check out this other question:
Explosives in the Middle Ages
answered 1 hour ago
Renan
35.2k1084182
answered 1 hour ago
Renan
35.2k1084182
answered 1 hour ago
Renan
35.2k1084182
answered 1 hour ago
Renan
35.2k1084182
35.2k1084182
add a comment |Â
add a comment |Â
up vote
0
down vote
Use regular lit fuse. Bolas are just a delivery system, both for range, and to ensure bombs stay attached to the target until detonation.
To ensure both detonate at the same time, have them connected by the same fuse, and light the middle of it.
answered 1 hour ago
Bald Bear
4,236518
Won't the fire in the middle turn the bola strings to dust midflight?
– Renan
39 mins ago
add a comment |Â
up vote
0
down vote
Use regular lit fuse. Bolas are just a delivery system, both for range, and to ensure bombs stay attached to the target until detonation.
To ensure both detonate at the same time, have them connected by the same fuse, and light the middle of it.
answered 1 hour ago
Bald Bear
4,236518
Won't the fire in the middle turn the bola strings to dust midflight?
– Renan
39 mins ago
add a comment |Â
up vote
0
down vote
up vote
0
down vote
Use regular lit fuse. Bolas are just a delivery system, both for range, and to ensure bombs stay attached to the target until detonation.
To ensure both detonate at the same time, have them connected by the same fuse, and light the middle of it.
answered 1 hour ago
Bald Bear
4,236518
Use regular lit fuse. Bolas are just a delivery system, both for range, and to ensure bombs stay attached to the target until detonation.
To ensure both detonate at the same time, have them connected by the same fuse, and light the middle of it.
answered 1 hour ago
Bald Bear
4,236518
answered 1 hour ago
Bald Bear
4,236518
answered 1 hour ago
Bald Bear
4,236518
answered 1 hour ago
Bald Bear
4,236518
4,236518
Won't the fire in the middle turn the bola strings to dust midflight?
– Renan
39 mins ago
add a comment |Â
Won't the fire in the middle turn the bola strings to dust midflight?
– Renan
39 mins ago
Won't the fire in the middle turn the bola strings to dust midflight?
– Renan
39 mins ago
Won't the fire in the middle turn the bola strings to dust midflight?
– Renan
39 mins ago
add a comment |Â
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What tech level are we talking here? It’s a pretty trivial problem with accelerometers and a microprocessor, but managing with renaissance-level tech might be a bit trickier...
– Joe Bloggs
2 hours ago
2
The bola is specifically designed to capture animals, preferably without doing damage to that valuable meat and fur, explosives are in direct opposition to that aim.why would you want this when a bow or gun would do a better job of killing the beast? That being said as a show-weapon it could have a lot of potential
– Ummdustry
2 hours ago
1
I must say, I'd be truly terrified to arm that weapon. So many things could go wrong!
– Cort Ammon
2 hours ago
1
@Ummdustry Guns aren't a thing in this setting, so that's off the table, and the character isn't particularly skilled with a bow. And when you're a monster-hunting explosives expert, you want some kind of ranged weapon.
– Frostfyre
2 hours ago
1
K.I.S.S. and launch the bombs using a sling.
– RonJohn
2 hours ago