What does a mechanical fuze rely on for detonation after impact?

A mechanical fuze operates based on physical components that trigger detonation upon impact with a target. This process involves a mechanical linkage system, which includes elements such as springs, levers, and other mechanical devices designed to function when the munition strikes a surface. Upon impact, the mechanical parts interact in a precise manner to create the necessary conditions for the fuze to ignite the explosive material.

This reliance on a mechanical linkage distinguishes it from other fuze types that may depend on electrical circuits, which utilize electrical signals to initiate detonation, or conditions such as geographical position or temperature changes, which are not primary mechanisms for mechanical fuzes. Therefore, the effectiveness of a mechanical fuze in triggering detonation is directly linked to its design and the physical interactions that occur upon impact.