How do Anti-tank Work?

Answer 1

There are a few answers to this depending on what you mean my 'work', so I'll try to answer as many ways as I can.

First, let's talk about how mines can be triggered.

Commonly, and probably most widely known, is direct pressure. This is where the vehicle actually drives over the mine which triggers its detonation. Other methods of detonation include being triggered manually by an observer through either physical (Fuses, plungers, wired batteries etc) or remote devices (Cell phones, remote controls, RF devices), tilt rods or triggers that are pushed by the undercarriage of the vehicle, sonic detonation from an engine and magnetic detonation from the armor of the vehicle. There are even mines that will recognize specific vehicles and will only detonate when they encounter it.

Secondly, let's talk about how the mine destroys a vehicle. This is most commonly done through the use of a shaped charge of explosives. Generally, a shaped charge will direct the energy of the explosion, focusing it at a given point, this case being the underside of the vehicle. While the force of the blast itself may not be sufficient to annihilate the vehicle, often the result is a blast hole that penetrates the bottom of the vehicle which sends shrapnel and molten metal throughout the interior. Coupled with this is the extreme pressures, heat and shock from the blast that is aimed at killing or maiming the crew. Some mines also employ additional destructive devices such as steel balls, pellets or penetrators that assist with breaching the hull and creating more shrapnel.

Finally, we could go into the way mines are constructed, the chemicals and explosives used in mines and the internal mechanics of how they operate, but we'll leave that one alone for now. :)

I hope that helps.