A shrapnel shell is a type of artillery projectile designed to explode in the air, dispersing small metal balls or fragments over a wide area. This design maximizes damage to enemy personnel and equipment by creating a lethal cloud of shrapnel upon detonation. Shrapnel shells were widely used in warfare, particularly during World War I and World War II. The term "shrapnel" originates from Henry Shrapnel, a British Army officer who invented this type of shell in the early 19th century. Unlike traditional explosive shells, shrapnel shells are specifically engineered to inflict injuries through the scattering of projectiles rather than a large explosion.