The Big Bang A History of Explosives George I. Brown Review by Dave Caulkins George Brown’s The Big Bang, subtitled A History of Explosives is a good popular treatment of explosives from the ninth century AD to modern times. The first third of the book is taken up with gunpowder, starting with its obscure origins in …
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An Observation Regarding: “Fireworks Shell Drift due to Shell-to-Bore Clearance”
K. L. Kosanke ABSTRACT: Some empirical evidence is presented in support of a recent suggestion by R. K. Norton that a significant portion of aerial shell drift may simply be the result of shell-to-bore clearance. The support for this stems from the observation that aerial shells, during the very earliest portion of their free flight, …
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Bridgewire Temperature Estimation Using a Constant Current Supply
L. Weinman Introduction: A brief description is presented of a means of measuring the average temperature of a bridgewire during firing using a constant current source. Many functional tests of electroexplosive devices, such as electric matches, utilize a constant current power supply as part of the firing circuit, as this is the only way to comply …
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Speculation on the Explosive Decomposition of “Yellow Powder”
Bob Foreman, Jerry Ittenbach, and Calvin Swartzendruber Introduction: Attending a short-course in pyrotechnic chemistry provided the opportunity for the authors to study a little-understood historic explosive currently viewed primarily as a novelty and chemical curiosity. Part of the course was the preparation of a seminar. The instructors proposed the “yellow powder” seminar topic for the authors. …
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Hypotheses Regarding “Star-Shell-Detonations”
K. L. and B. J. Kosanke ABSTRACT: Fireworks star shells occasionally explode upon firing while they are still inside the mortar. Most often, this occurs with approximately the same level of violence as when the shell explodes after having left the mortar, and often even relatively weak mortars survive the experience intact. While unnerving to …
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A Ground Test Rocket Thrust Measurement System
Mary Fran Desrochers, Gary W. Olsen, and M. K. Hudson ABSTRACT: A strain gauge thrust measurement system is described for rocket motor ground testing. The unit uses sigmoid beams to hold the rocket motor in place, with the strain gauges mounted on these beams. The theory and usage of strain gauges is briefly discussed, along …
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Applying Explosives Testing Techniques To Obtain Insight into the Explosion (Or Is It Detonation?). Phenomenon of Piles of Fireworks
E. Contestabile ABSTRACT: There are times when the legal system requires so-called expert witnesses. Whether it is with regard to terrorist or criminal activities or accidents, the expert is often confronted with explaining the dreaded term “detonation”. The attempt to explain such a catastrophic event often brings about the use of similes. In this paper, …
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A Brief Introduction to Noise and Data Filtering
L. Weinman ABSTRACT: This brief article examines some aspects of noise and the effects of filters applied to data. Keywords: signals, data acquisition, noise, data filter, digital filter, pyrotechnic, experimental design Ref: JPyro, Issue 14, 2001, pp40-44 (J14_40)
Our Present Knowledge of the Chemistry of Black Powder
Ian von Maltitz ABSTRACT: Black Powder has been around for centuries and has had a profound influence on the history of the world. Over this time, a considerable amount of knowledge has been gained that not only sheds light on the chemistry of Black Powder but also on other pyrotechnic reactions. This knowledge cannot be …
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Thermal Techniques Used in the Hazard Evaluation of Pyrotechnics
P. D. Lightfoot, R. C. Fouchard, A.-M. Turcotte, Q. S. M. Kwok and D. E. G. Jones ABSTRACT: A hazard assessment provides important information for determination of safe conditions for the manufacture, storage and transportation of pyrotechnics. Sensitivity to thermal stimuli is an important aspect of an overall hazard assessment. This paper describes a number …
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