Re: alchemists ballista bolt

--- Static <eshum@????????.org> wrote:
> In our last episode, Thatotherguy said:
> >> Greek fire could burn ON water not IN water, you need thermite for
> >> something that can burn underwater.   Thermite...hmmmm theres an
> >> idea.
> >
> >Phosphorous burns in water.
>
>         You sure?  I found a reference
> (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phosphorus)
> that says it's *stored* in water.  So, if it ignites, water won't put
> it
> out (which I kinda remember), but it won't *ignite* in water?  Do you
> have
> any references for this?

White phosphorous (which may be different than pure phosphorous, I have
no idea how they make WP grenades, artillery shells, etc.) can't be put
out by water when it's burning through a person, it just slows the burn
rate (less oxygen suspended in water than open air, I suppose).  I've
heard this in the army, in fiction and nonfiction military accounts,
and so on so I assume it's true.  I've assumed we're discussing white
phosphorous (military grade phosphorous might be a better term?).
Since phosphorous is present in certain other substances without
burning it seems reasonalbe than in some forms phosphorous is not
self-igniting.  I would assume you can store it safely in oil, however
(to get back to the ballista bolts).

Disclaimer:  I've never attempted independent verification of white
phosphorous's properties in any environment.

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