K.L. and B.J Kosanke The use of copper(II) benzoate as a blue color agent was discussed by Bleser.1 In large part, the endorsement for its use is based on its ability to serve as both color agent (copper) and fuel (benzoate). There is something to be said for this approach. For example, consider a color …
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Author:Avril
A Collection of Star Formulations
K.L. and B.J Kosanke At one time, we were engaged in the commercial manufacture of stars. During that time we assembled (developed, borrowed or modified) a series of star formulations. It was felt that the formulations were reasonably safe and cost effective, while at the same time, performed well (relatively easy ignition and fairly good …
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Pyrotechnic Fuse Burn Rates
K.L. and B.J. Kosanke Over the years, we have had occasion to work with a fairly large number of different fuse products. One of the more important characteristics of a pyrotechnic fuse is its burn rate, but often that is not specified by the supplier. Thus, when we have had a large enough supply of …
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Saran Resin — Its Properties and Uses
Ken Kosanke SaranTM resin in its most common form isSaran Wrap,TM the original plastic food wrap manufactured by Dow Chemical. Technically, Saran resin is polyvinylidene chloride, which has the chemical formula of: Ref: Selected Pyrotechnic Publication of K.L. and B.J Kosanke, Part 2, (1990-1992), pp 34-34 (K2_34)
Burn Characteristics of “Visco” Fuse
K.L. and B.J Kosanke From time to time there is speculation regarding the performance characteristics of visco fuse under various conditions. This article presents the results of a brief study of this topic. The fuse for this study was purchased from American Visco Fuse1 in 1989. While it is likely that visco fuse from other …
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Hazard Data for Chemicals Used in Pyrotechnics
K.L. and B.J. Kosanke In recent months, the authors have received a surprising number of requests for sources of chemical hazard information. Perhaps this is a consequence of the industry’s increasing concern for health and safety. Whatever the reason for the requests for information, the authors have prepared this article to assist those needing to …
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Shimizu Aerial Shell Ballistic Predictions, Parts 1 & 2
K.L. and B.J. Kosanke Introduction: The effect of varying aerial shell and mortar parameters is a frequent topic of discussion in the display fireworks industry. Dr. Takeo Shimizu has published equations describing both internal (within the mortar) and external (after leaving the mortar) aerial shell ballistics1. These equations can be used to make general predictions …
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Introduction to the Physics and Chemistry
K.L. and B.J. Kosanke This article is a slight modification of an article originally prepared for the International Association of Bomb Technicians and Investigators. Because much of this same material is of interest to the fireworks community, this article was offered to the PGI Bulletin. However, in order to enhance its usefulness, some additional material …
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Report of Aerial Shell Burst Height Measurements
K.L. Kosanke, L.A. Schwertley and B.J. Kosanke Aerial shell burst height data is perhaps one of the more interesting and important pieces of information that an artistically minded display designer needs. Unfortunately, this information has generally not been available and has essentially never been reported in the technical fireworks literature. One of the authors recently …
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The Physics, Chemistry and Perception of Colored Flames, Part 1
K. L. Kosanke SUMMARY: The first part of this three-part monograph presents an in-depth examination of the development of light theory; mechanisms of light generation in flames; atomic line, molecular band and continuous spectra; the definition, laws and measurement of color; chromaticity diagrams and how the pyrotechnist can use this knowledge of physics in planning …
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