Thermites where the other component (besides the typical aluminum) contains a second light metal can be lit easily, but tend to burn quick with a blinding flame, and produce a lot of gas / vapour. I have once produced electrical power with solar panels during a thermite experiment (for fun, not for any practical use). :) One shouldn’t stare into their flame, its spectrum has a lot of harmful UV.
Once upon a time, I also had a model rocket burst its case (too small nozzle) with thermite. Fortunately I was at a safe distance. (Note: thermites don’t have a good specific impulse, they’re exotic and fun, but not good propellants.)
Light thermites wouldn’t be capable of melting through metal, but I think they would ignite aluminum-rust. Regardless, I would not recommend them as the first resort in any situation. But it’s worth remembering that they exist. I think one can build an underwater torch with them.
Aluminum-rust is truly hard to ignite.
Thermites where the other component (besides the typical aluminum) contains a second light metal can be lit easily, but tend to burn quick with a blinding flame, and produce a lot of gas / vapour. I have once produced electrical power with solar panels during a thermite experiment (for fun, not for any practical use). :) One shouldn’t stare into their flame, its spectrum has a lot of harmful UV.
Once upon a time, I also had a model rocket burst its case (too small nozzle) with thermite. Fortunately I was at a safe distance. (Note: thermites don’t have a good specific impulse, they’re exotic and fun, but not good propellants.)
Light thermites wouldn’t be capable of melting through metal, but I think they would ignite aluminum-rust. Regardless, I would not recommend them as the first resort in any situation. But it’s worth remembering that they exist. I think one can build an underwater torch with them.