Greetings TTalkers,
Technically, thermite is formed from iron oxide and aluminum. When "fired",
the
aluminum chemically replaces the iron because aluminum is a good bit higher
on the
Activity Table. The molten iron WILL burn through concrete. If I recall
correctly, the temperature soars above 900 degrees during this process.
The intelligence electronics on board the USS Pueblo was supposed to be
protected by
thermite bombs on the top of each rack of equipment. Because the ship was
rushed into service, this type of security system was not installed. So, the
"radiomen" used hand grenades in lieu thereof -- hence the casualty figure!
Plus, it was much easier for the bad guys to reconstruct our latest gear.
A similar "thermite type reaction" occurs when copper oxide is substituted
for the
iron oxide; copper is even farther down the Activity Table. The molten
copper is what we need to form the great physical and electrical connections
we
need for lightning events.
Warren; W7WY
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