Can WWI Era Artillery Shells Still Be Used Today?

The question of whether WWI-era artillery shells are still functional and reliable today has been a subject of much debate. While these historical artifacts are often viewed as fascinating relics, they present significant safety concerns and logistical challenges.

Chemical Instability of Explosives

The primary ingredient in many WWI artillery shells, such as Picric Acid (C6H3O7N3), is known to be unstable over prolonged periods. Picric Acid, when combined with metal casings, can chemically react over time, leading to the formation of potentially dangerous compounds.

Germany, which was at the forefront of chemical warfare innovation during WWI, predominantly used TNT (Trinitrotoluene) in its shells. While TNT is less reactive than Picric Acid, it can still degrade over time. Storing these shells in warm environments can lead to the breakdown of the TNT into less stable compounds, such as dinitro toluenes (DNTs).

Environmental Factors and Degradation

The aging process of WWI artillery shells is accelerated by various environmental factors. Sunlight, temperature fluctuations, and exposure to organic materials can all contribute to the degradation of the explosives within the shells. According to historical records from the UK, France, Japan, and the US, where Picric Acid was a common explosive, many shells have become increasingly dangerous to handle over the last century.

For instance, shells stored in the UK and Russia from the Cold War era (less than a century old) have shown mixed results in terms of safety. Many of these shells are now filled with AI-X-2, a more stable mixture of RDX (C5H7N3O9) and Aluminum, which theoretically should be more resistant to degradation than TNT. However, the age and handling conditions of these shells still pose significant risks.

Risk and Safety Concerns

It is crucial to understand that despite the age of these shells, they are still potentially lethal. Artillery shells discovered on WWI battlefields continue to pose a serious risk to those who come across them. Historical artifacts and remains should be approached with extreme caution. No matter how old they are, the safety of handling WWI-era artillery shells cannot be guaranteed.

The unpredictability of these shells is a critical factor to consider. They can behave in unforeseeable ways, including premature detonation during transportation, storage, or loading. This unpredictability makes the shells unreliable for any modern military operation or practical use.

Conclusion

While WWI-era artillery shells hold historical significance, their degradation and potential dangers make them unsuitable for current use or display without proper storage and handling. The risks associated with these shells are too great to overlook, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a high level of caution and safety when dealing with such historical artifacts.

For those interested in WWI history or military artifacts, it is essential to consult with experts and follow strict safety protocols to ensure the protection of both the public and historical relics.