The Pyrotechnic Section was composed of a number of units, each with
its own problem. The gas shell was studied, with special reference
to the stability of gases and toxic solids, both on storage and on
detonation. Extensive work was carried out on smoke screens—a Navy
funnel, an Army portable smoke apparatus, using silicon tetrachloride,
a grenade, a Livens, and various shell being developed for that
purpose. The smoke screen was adapted to the tank and the airplane as
well as to the funnel of a ship. Several types of incendiary bombs
and darts were perfected. The liquid fire gun was studied but the
results were never utilized because of the abandonment as useless of
that form of warfare. Various forms of signal lights, flares, rockets
and colored smokes were studied and in most cases specifications were
written. Extensive studies were also carried out on gas shell linings,
from which a lead and an enamel lining were evolved. Many physical
properties of war gases and their mixtures were determined.
The Dispersoid Section studied the production of smokes or mists from
various solid and liquid substances. Apparatus were developed to study
the concentration of smoke clouds and their rate of settling. The
efficiency of various filters and canisters was determined, and among
other things, a new smoke candle was perfected.
Mechanical research at first was related to design and construction of
a canister and mask, based on the English type. During the latter part
of 1917 the Tissot type of mask was studied and then turned over to
the Gas Defense Division. A Navy Head Mask and canister was perfected.
The horse mask was developed along the lines of the British type, and
also a dog mask of the same general nature. Horse boots were also
constructed, though they never were used at the front. Many Ordnance
and Pyrotechnic problems were also successfully completed, not the
least of which was a noiseless gas cylinder. This section developed the
first special poison gas suit, composed of an oilcloth suit, a mask and
helmet and a special canister.
The Manufacturing Development Section had general charge of the defense
problems, and really acted as an emergency section, filling in as
occasion demanded. They developed mustard gas clothing and a horse
mask. They constructed a hydrogen plant at Langley Field, assisted in
solving the difficulties relating to Batchite charcoal at Springfield,
Mass., and co-operated in the study of paper and felt as filtering
materials for smokes. Towards the close of the war the Section was
interested in the application of the gas mask to the industries.
The Physiological work is discussed under the Medical Division.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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