Stick bomb

A stick bomb is a mechanical explosive device constructed out of flat sticks woven together under tension. There were also German explosive devices used in both World Wars that were known as 'stick bombs' ("Stielhandgranate") (see hand grenade). Other names for stick bombs include Chinese stick puzzles, and frame bombs.

Brief history

Simple stick bombs made out of four, five, or six sticks have been known to schoolchildren for ages. They were often known as 'Chinese stick puzzles' which indicates a possible origin for the devices. In the early 2000s, new methods for creating stick bombs of limitless size were developed.

Technical Aspects

Stick bombs can be constructed out of most flat sticks of the appropriate dimensions. The usual material for construction is wood, but plastic can also be used. Ice pop sticks (craft sticks) and tongue depressors are popular because of availability, low cost, and because they are easily colored. Tongue depressor sticks are strongly recommended for construction as they have lower tension than craft sticks and thus are easier to work with.

The sticks are woven together to form a reticulated grid with each stick held in place by tension created by the elasticity of wood or other material. If constructed properly, the removal of a single stick causes the other sticks to fly apart with surprising force. The speed of the shock wave depends on the materials used. If craft sticks are used, the detonation speed is approximately 30-40 meters per second; for tongue depressors, the speed is under 10 meters per second. Stick bombs, especially those made from craft sticks, can spontaneously explode without warning from a weak stick or from warping.

The variety of configurations in which stick bombs can be constructed is virtually limitless, and there are several tricks ('stunts') which can be incorporated into the design. However, it does not always work if the sticks are thin, crooked, or deformed in any way. For reasons of structural stability, each stick is touching at least three other sticks in a frame bomb.

afety

Stick bombs, especially those made out of craft sticks, can pack a lot of force and sticks can jump as high as a meter or so. Thus, it is necessary for those constructing stick bombs to wear safety goggles. As an extra precaution, people watching stick bombs explode are advised to stand a safe distance away (10 feet or 3 meters is adequate).