percussion-fuse

Century Dictionary and Cyclopedia

1. n. A detonating fuse so constructed that, when impact suddenly checks the motion of the projectile, the firing-mechanism of the fuse is set free to act upon the detonating substance. In the cut, a is the shell. The plunger h is held by a detent o, which engages a notch at the rear end with a force graduated to permit its release by the shock of impact, when the plunger is driven forward to strike and explode a percussion-cap on the nipple g. The spring i holds the plunder in engagement with the detent, till the instant of impact.