Some Properties of Explosion Generated Toroids

Fred Ryan and Joe Daugherty ABSTRACT: The mechanism of sound production from explosion-created toroids is discussed, as well as progress in rendering them more visible. The toroids, or “smoke rings”, are easily formed by exploding a small charge at the bottom of a cylindrical barrel that is open at the top. The stability, self propulsion,  …
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Reasons for Fuse Failure and Drift Distance of Spherical Fireworks Shells

Marc Speer ABSTRACT: This work investigates the reasons for the ignition-failure of spherical (round) shells. It further statistically assesses the probability that the resulting blind (dud) shells will fall within a certain range from the launch point. Keywords: fuse failure, shell drift, Magnus effect, interior ballistics, exterior ballistics, shell ballistics, blind shell, dud shell Ref: JPyro, …
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A Study of the Combustion Behaviour of Pyrotechnic Whistle Devices (Acoustic and Chemical Factors)

M. Podlesak and M. A. Wilson ABSTRACT: Pyrotechnic whistles have long been used in both civilian and military applications. It is known that, under certain conditions, these compositions burn in an oscillatory manner and have exhibited a tendency occasionally to explode with great power during combustion. Based on the results of experimental work and a …
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Color Purity Measurements of Traditional Pyrotechnic Star Formulas

Brian V. Ingram ABSTRACT: Pyrotechnic formulas designed to produce colored flames are well known, but the trends in color quality due to individual formula components are less well understood. This paper presents spectrometer work done to record spectra and processes them into chromaticity coordinates.  Major formulas of the basic additive colors of red, green, and …
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Review of: Ignition Handbook – Vytenis Babrauskas

Review of: Ignition Handbook  Vytenis Babrauskas Review by K. L. Kosanke What an incredible reference text, especially to have been assembled by a single author. The book has 1116 large format pages (8.5 by 11 inches), is printed on high quality paper and sturdily bound, is well indexed (36 pages), is very thoroughly referenced (one …
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Comment on: “Review of Pyrotechnics” that appeared in Issue 18, Winter 2003

Ron Lancaster In the late 1960s there was only Weingart’s Pyrotechnics, and it was a suggestion of a rewrite to the Publisher that led to my own first edition in 1972. As we have grown in experience there have been two further editions. It has been interesting to see how many little bits of new …
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A Brief Description of the Construction and Function of Common Electric Matches

Lawrence Weinman and K. L. Kosanke ABSTRACT: A simple description of the construction and the physical principles governing the function of common electric matches and some implications of these principles for testing and firing them are presented. Keywords: electric match, heat resistance, current, volt, pyrogen Ref: JPyro, Issue 19, 2004, pp66-71 (J19_66)

Bandwidth in Electro-Magnetic Compatibility (EMC) Testing

James Stuart ABSTRACT: Electro explosive devices (EEDs) are often required to undergo a test in which they are placed near a high-power radio transmitter. The purpose is to see whether electromagnetic energy might fire the EED. Consideration of the “Q” or quality factor of an EED system affords guidance in choosing a transmitter and test …
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Illuminants and Illuminant Research

David R. Dillehay ABSTRACT: The use of pyrotechnic compositions for the production of light has a long history. Most improvements were made mainly by trial and error with many misunderstandings about the cause and effect relationships from observations. Significant advancements in the mechanisms and theory of combustion have increased the understanding of many effects and …
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A Report on the Fireworks Accident at Carmel, Western Australia

R. I. Grose and K. L. Kosanke ABSTRACT: The investigation into an accident at Carmel, Western Australia in March 2002 found that the magnitude of explosions occurring in licensed and unlicensed storage areas was significantly greater than would have been expected from the UN hazard classification of items stored within them. Use of revised UN …
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