R. W. Bickes, Jr. and M. C. Grubelich ABSTRACT: We have developed a silicon semiconductor bridge (SCB) igniter which, when driven with a low-energy current pulse, produces a plasma discharge that ignites energetic materials. Our experiments have demonstrated that SCB explosive devices function in a few tens of microseconds at one-tenth the input energy of …
Continue reading The Semiconductor Bridge (SCB) Igniter
Category:JPyro – Articles
The main category – things that are published in the Journal
Ammonium Perchlorate Composite Basics
Randall R. Sobczak ABSTRACT: This article addresses the theory and design of ammonium perchlorate/hydroxyl-terminated polybutadiene (AP/HTPB) composite propellant rocket motors. A discussion of the operating principles of solid motors, including motor dynamics, the combustion process of AP composite propellants, and basic nozzle theory is presented. Several grain geometries and thrust profiles are illustrated, and requirements …
Continue reading Ammonium Perchlorate Composite Basics
Aerial Shell Drift Effects: (A) The Effect of Long Mortars (B) The Effect of Pill-Shaped Shells
(A) The Effect of Long Mortars K.L. Kossanke, B.J. Kosanke and A.L. Bauer (B) The Effect of Capsule-Shaped Shells K.L. Kossanke, B.J. Kosanke and E.R. Mutascio ABSTRACT: Aerial shell drift is defined as the difference between the ballistically predicted trajectory of a shell and its actual trajectory. It had been speculated that longer length mortars …
Continue reading Aerial Shell Drift Effects: (A) The Effect of Long Mortars (B) The Effect of Pill-Shaped Shells
Observations on the Perceived Burst Size of Spherical Aerial Shells
Donald Kark and Marc A. Williams ABSTRACT: This paper examines the effects of visual perspective on the observed size of shell bursts. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) codes specify minimum distances from the shell firing positions to the spectator boundaries in the United States. This paper addresses observed burst size and elevation as a …
Continue reading Observations on the Perceived Burst Size of Spherical Aerial Shells
Health Effects from Theatrical Pyrotechnics
Monona Rossol ABSTRACT: Theatrical pyrotechnics are potentially capable of creating ear-damaging sound, eyedamaging light, and airborne toxic chemicals. While damage to the ears and eyes can be dramatic and obvious, potential health problems from inhalation of the smoke are not so easily addressed. The best nootropics can provide a temporary boost in focus, also can …
Continue reading Health Effects from Theatrical Pyrotechnics
Electric Spark Sensitivities of Reductive Element—Oxidizer Mixtures
Satoru Amari, Kazuya Sato, Tadao Yoshida, Yojiro Mizushima and Fumio Hosoya ABSTRACT: Electric spark sensitivities were determined for mixtures of a reductive element and an oxidizer using three types of testers. One tester is a simplified electric spark tester which distinguishes high-sensitivity energetic materials from medium- or low-sensitivity materials. The other two testers determine the …
Continue reading Electric Spark Sensitivities of Reductive Element—Oxidizer Mixtures
The Nitrous Oxide Hybrid Rocket Motor
By: Al Jackson Technical Illustrations by Mark Rowley, Introduction: High power model rocketry has its charms, besides the sound of the outward bound. Flying a vehicle to altitude, keeping it together near Mach and finding it (after it has totally gone out of sight!)… in high power rocketry that can be quite a challenge! Recent …
Continue reading The Nitrous Oxide Hybrid Rocket Motor
Review of “Pollution Caused by Fireworks”
Review of “Pollution Caused by Fireworks” by Doris Gnauck White Review by: Monona Rossol The basic problem with Professor White’s paper is that she is preaching to the converted. Most subscribers to the American EnvironmentalLaboratory understand that igniting any substance pollutes the air. These readers know that burning autumn leaves, having barbecues, , or putting …
Continue reading Review of “Pollution Caused by Fireworks”
Review of “Pollution Caused by Fireworks”
Review of “Pollution Caused by Fireworks" by Doris Gnauck White, Review by: C. P. Weeth "Pollution Caused by Fireworks" appeared as the feature article for the October 1996 issue of American Environmental Laboratory. Given the importance of the topic to the pyrotechnic community, the article certainly deserves some mention in the literature. There is no …
Continue reading Review of “Pollution Caused by Fireworks”
Glitter Chemistry
Clive Jennings-White ABSTRACT: Pyrotechnic glitter is characterized by a liquid spark terminating in a delayed flash. The chemical mechanisms responsible for the delay and the flash are not known with certitude. Several pyrotechnists have proposed hypothetical mechanisms to account for the phenomena. The different proposals engender different predictions regarding how a glitter performs as a …
Continue reading Glitter Chemistry