K. L. Kosanke, B. J. Kosanke & Richard C. Dujay ABSTRACT: Today the most reliable method for detecting gunshot residue is through the combined use of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) of the resulting X-rays. In recent years, this same methodology has found increasing use in detecting and characterizing pyrotechnic reaction …
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Author:Avril
Electric Matches: Ramp Firing Current
K.L. and B.J Kosanke Introduction: A major study of electric match sensitiveness was recently completed.[1] This article presents the results of a test to reveal aspects of the firing characteristics for the same collection of 10 electric match types as in the previous articles. Ref: Selected Pyrotechnic Publication of K.L. and B.J Kosanke, Part 6, …
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Electric Matches: Physical Parameters
K.L. and B.J Kosanke Introduction: A major study of electric match sensitiveness was recently completed.[1] This article continues that work and presents a compilation of the physical parameters (as measured and/or provided by the suppliers) for the same collection of 10 electric match types as in the previous article. Ref: Selected Pyrotechnic Publication of K.L. …
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Fire Sculptures Using FireRope
K.L. and B.J Kosanke Fire sculptures are not a true pyrotechnic effect, being produced simply by the burning of a liquid fuel in air. Nonetheless their use can contribute rather nicely to firework displays that include ground effects. Fire sculptures form continuous images in yellow fire that burn for 10 minutes or more. This is …
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Pyrotechnic Accelerants
K.L. Kosanke Conventional accelerants used in arson crimes, such as gasoline, readily burn in air producing flame temperatures of about 3000 °F. Yet these accelerants generally lack the ability to produce major involvements in short times. This is because, like most combustion reactions, they must rely on a continuing supply of air to provide the needed …
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Computer Modeling of Aerial Shell Ballistics
K.L. and B.J Kosanke ABSTRACT: If one has a reasonably accurate computer model, it is usually appropriate (cheaper and faster) to rely primarily on modeled results, supplemented with limited experimental results. The case of aerial shell ballistics is no exception. The mathematical basis for such a ballistics model is derived, and the simplifications and assumptions …
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Aerial Shell Drift Effects
K.L. and B.J Kosanke ABSTRACT: A prime consideration in determining separation distance requirements for aerial fireworks displays is where fallout of dangerous debris is likely to occur. Certainly the most dangerous single piece of fallout is a dud aerial shell. Thus it is important to have knowledge of where duds may fall during typical displays. …
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Repeat Firing from HDPE Mortars
K.L. and B.J Kosanke ABSTRACT: High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) mortars are beginning to find wide use because of their desirable characteristics. They are relatively inexpensive, lightweight, have a long service life, and some consider them to be among the safest mortars presently in use. Initially HDPE mortars were only recommended for use in electrically fired …
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Dautriche – Shock Tube Measurement of High Propagation Rates in Pyrotechnic Materials
K.L. and B.J Kosanke Introduction: There are times when it is of interest to measure propagation rates in highly energetic pyrotechnic materials, such as flash powder. These rates tend to range from less than 1000 to about 5000 feet per second. Conventional means of making such velocity of propagation (VOP) measurements involve the application of …
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Parallel and Propagative Burning
K.L. and B.J Kosanke Introduction: In effect, there are two basic mechanisms for pyrotechnic burning. One, which is primarily burning inward, perpendicular to the burning surface, and one in which accelerated burning along surfaces is most important. These can be termed “parallel” and “propagative” burning, and the same pyrotechnic material can manifest radically different burn …
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