Fuze

In military munitions, a fuze (or fuse) is the part of the device that initiates function. In some applications, such as torpedoes, a fuze may be identified by function as the exploder. The relative complexity of even the earliest fuze designs can be seen in cutaway diagrams.

Description

A fuze is a device that detonates a munition's explosive material under specified conditions. In addition, a munitions fuze will have a safety/arming mechanism that protects the user from premature or accidental detonation. For example, an artillery fuze's battery is activated by the high acceleration of canon launch, and the fuze must be spinning rapidly before it will function.

A munition fuze assembly may contain only the electronic or mechanical elements necessary to signal or actuate the detonator, but some fuzes contain a small amount of primary explosive to initiate the detonation. Fuze assemblies for large explosive charges may include an explosive booster.

Etymology

The word "fuze" is derived from the Latin fusus, meaning "spindle", referring to the spindle of material that was originally used for the ignition of bombs. Historically, it was spelled with either 's' or 'z', and both spellings can still be found. The Oxford English Dictionary now lists "fuse". In the United States and some military forces,fuze can be used to denote a sophisticated ignition device incorporating mechanical and/or electronic components (for example a proximity fuze for an artillery shell, magnetic/acoustic fuze on a sea mine, spring-loaded grenade fuze,pencil detonator or anti-handling device) as opposed to a simple burning fuse.

Fuse (explosives)

In an explosive, pyrotechnic device or military munition, a fuse (or fuze) is the part of the device that initiates function. In common usage, the word fuse is used indiscriminately. However, when being specific (and in particular in a military context), the term fuse, describes a simple pyrotechnic initiating device, like the cord on a firecracker whereas the term fuze is sometimes used when referring to a more sophisticated ignition device incorporating mechanical and/or electronic components, such as a proximity fuze for an M107 artillery shell, magnetic/acoustic fuze on a sea mine, spring-loaded grenade fuze,pencil detonator or anti-handling device.

History

The simplest form of fuse is the burning fuse, believed to date back to the 10th century and originating in China. This simple fuse consisted of lightweight paper filled with loose gunpowder, and served as a means of delaying ignition in fireworks. This simple form of burning fuse can still be found today in many modern pyrotechnics. A version of this simple fuse is called visco fuse, and consists of the burning core coated with wax or lacquer for durability and water resistance. The commercial and military version of a burning fuse referred to as safety fuse (invented by William Bickford) is a textile tube filled with combustible material and wrapped to prevent external exposure of the burning core. Safety fuses are used to initiate the detonation of explosives through the use of a blasting cap.

Fuze (disambiguation)

Fuze is a device to detonate military munitions.

Fuze may also refer to:

Fuze Beverage

Fuze Beverage (/fjuːz/ fyooz), commercially referred to as simply Fuze (marketed in Turkey as Fuse), is a manufacturer of teas and non-carbonated fruit drinks enriched with vitamins. Currently the brand consists of five vitamin-infused lines: Slenderize, Refresh, Tea, Defensify, and Vitalize. The use of vitamins, amino acids, and herbs, and alternative sweeteners such as crystalline fructose places Fuze products in what is known in the industry as the "new age" beverage category.

Company history

Fuze Beverage was founded by Lance Collins and creative director Paula Grant in the basement of Collins' Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey home in 2000. The brand was first launched in the Northern California market in 2001 with three flavors packaged in fruit-themed bottles: mixed berry, banana colada and cranberry raspberry. In 2002 the brand launched two additional flavors, peach mango and tropical punch; the same year, the company grew to 30 employees and moved out of Collins' basement.

Fuze (band)

Fuze are an English pop rock band who formed in 2010. The band consists of Ed Alston (lead vocals and guitar), George Kirchner (lead guitar and vocals), Jack Goldsmith (bass guitar and backing vocals) and Keir Adamson (drums and backing vocals). They were signed by LUMI Records in 2011 prior to the release of their debut album, That's What She Said. The band's name originates from the American drink, Fuze. Their debut single, Hey You, was used in the soundtrack for the UK film, The Shouting Men, which featured Craig Fairbrass, Warren Llambias, John Barnes and Matt Daniel-Baker. Their second single, When You Come Home, was released in July 2011. Fuze were crowned Chelmsford's YFest winners in August 2011 after return from their tour of England. The band are believed to have finished writing for their second album, which is due for release in 2012.

History

2008-2010: Early years