Abstract: A time delay mechanism for projectiles utilizing angular acceleration to control the flow of a granular material. The angle of the path of the flow with respect to the radius vector is used to differentiate between constant angular velocity and angular acceleration. There are at least three modes in which this capability can be utilized in a projectile: (1) inert material may be moved from an initial location to provide "unlatching" action, (2) active or high energy material may be moved from one location to a second location for utilization at the second location, or (3) inert material may be moved from a location such as a firing chamber where it provides "safing" action and, simultaneously, active material may be moved into the chamber.