Final answer:
The M26 grenade is designed to inflict personnel casualties and damage to light equipment through the rapid conversion of chemical energy to kinetic and thermal energy, resulting in high-pressure gases that propel grenade casing fragments outward.
Step-by-step explanation:
The grenade designed to inflict personnel casualties and damage to light equipment is the M26. When a hand grenade like the M26 explodes, there are several exchanges of energy that occur. Initially, the chemical energy stored in the explosives is rapidly transformed into kinetic energy and thermal energy during the detonation.
The explosive reaction produces high-pressure gases that expand rapidly, causing the grenade's casing to fragment and propel these fragments outward at high velocity. This fragmentation creates many high-speed projectiles, effectively inflicting damage and casualties. The thermal energy released can cause fires or burns upon contact with flammable materials or personnel.
The effectiveness of the M26 and similar grenades relies heavily on both the explosive force and the added shrapnel, which can be compared to 'band bombs' — improvised explosive devices filled with nails and other shrapnel intended to increase the injury radius. However, unlike precision weapons used by the military, 'band bombs' are often less discriminating and can harm civilians indiscriminately.