A
chemical reaction between molten aluminum and an
oxygen carrier such as water to do useful work is disclosed, and in particular two chemical methods to obtain aluminum in its
molten state. One is to detonate a HE / Al mixture with surplus Al in
stoichiometry, and the other is to use an oxidizer / Al mixture with surplus Al in
stoichiometry. Additionally, there is a physical method of shocking and heating Al using high temperature reaction products. The produced Al in its liquid form is forced to react with an
oxygen carrying liquid (e.g. water), giving off heat and releasing
hydrogen gas or other gaseous material. A water solution of some
oxygen-rich chemicals (e.g.
ammonium nitrate) can be advantageously used in place of water. A
shaped charge is also disclosed having a liner that contains aluminum, propelled by a high explosive such as RDX or its mixture with aluminum
powder. Some aluminum in its
molten state is projected into the perforation and forced to react with water that also enters the perforation, creating another explosion, fracturing the crushed zone of the perforation and initializing cracks. Another
shaped charge is shown having a liner of
energetic material such as a mixture of aluminum
powder and a
metal oxide. Upon
detonation, the collapsed liner carries kinetic and
thermal energy. Also shown are methods to build and to detonate or fire explosive devices in an
oxygen carrying liquid (e.g. water) to perforate and stimulate a
hydrocarbon-bearing formation.