1. Projectile characterization

1.1 Projection types

The generic term "projections" is often used to designate different types of projectiles, whose origin can be varied. Depending on the physical or chemical phenomena involved, the terminology used and the interpretation may differ.

Generally speaking, the term "projections" is used to refer to flying "pieces" of equipment or structures. However, the terms fragments, missiles, shrapnel and projectiles are also sometimes used. In addition, some specialists add the qualifier "primary" or "secondary" to the above terms. Moreover, there is no unquestionable encyclopedic definition, and a certain consensus among experts suggests that the best terminology is :

• primary" projections when the pieces...