K. L. Kosanke, B. J. Kosanke and C. Jennings-White ABSTRACT: A brief series of measurements was made on the flashes produced by a simple glitter formulation. In part this was done as a test of one theory for the chemistry of glitter. However, this was also done to produce some intrinsically interesting data that have …
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Category:JPyro – Articles
The main category – things that are published in the Journal
Use of the Term Sensitiveness to Describe the Response of Pyrotechnic Compositions to Accidental Stimuli
Roland K. Wharton and David Chapman ABSTRACT: This paper clarifies the differences between the terms sensitivity and sensitiveness, highlights the adoption of the latter by the United Nations, and proposes that sensitiveness could usefully be employed in describing certain hazard characteristics of pyrotechnic compositions. Keywords: sensitiveness, sensitivity, hazard, pyrotechnic Ref: JPyro, Issue 7, 1998, pp65-68 …
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Novel Powder Fuel for Firework Display Rocket Motors
Barry Cook ABSTRACT: An inexpensive, readily prepared and relatively insensitive powdered fuel suitable for the filling of small firework display rocket motors using a funnel and rammer technique is discussed. Firework display rocket motors are typically cardboard or aluminium tubes filled with a gunpowder derivative. Consolidation is achieved by incremental filling and pressing or, as …
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Studies of the Thermal Stability and Sensitiveness of Sulfur/Chlorate Mixtures Part 2. Stoichiometric Mixes
D. Chapman, R. K. Wharton, J. E. Fletcher & G. E. Williamson ABSTRACT: The sensitiveness and thermal stability of stoichiometric sulfur/chlorate mixtures (approximately 30:70) have been investigated. The mixtures were found to be very sensitive to friction, with BAM limiting loads below 40 N. Some ignitions occurring at the lowest measurable level of 5 N …
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Development of a Video Spectrometer
K. L. & B. J. Kosanke ABSTRACT: A simple, low-cost visible light spectrometer, consisting primarily of a video camcorder and an inexpensive diffraction grating, was assembled and found to be of use in work to improve colored pyrotechnic flames. This instrument is all that is needed to collect and store useful, qualitative flame color information. …
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Studies on the Use of Epoxy Resin Binder in Small Rockets
R. I. Grose ABSTRACT: A propellant suitable for use in small firework rockets has been developed. The binder used in the composition is an epoxy resin. The composition can be mixed while wet, thus reducing safety hazards. The propellant has been evaluated using a simple lab-built thrust measurement apparatus, and has been shown to have …
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Artificial Meteor Fireworks
D. Caulkins ABSTRACT: The use of ballistic-missile-delivered artificial meteors is discussed as a means of generating large scale pyrotechnic displays. Possible delivery vehicles are suggested, and designs are presented for the artificial meteors, payloads, and deployment missions. Safety and cost issues are discussed. Keywords: artificial meteor, ballistic missile, ICBM Ref: JPyro, Issue 7, 1998, pp26-32 (J7_26)
An Oxygen-Exchange Approach to Pyrotechnic Formulations
E. J. Clinger & Wesley D. Smith ABSTRACT: An old model of pyrotechnic reactions is presented in such a way that modern pyrotechnists are able to create new formulations using the principles of chemical stoichiometry but without having to know the exact products of the reaction involved. According to the model, pyrotechnic reactions occur in …
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High-Nitrogen Pyrotechnic Compositions
David E. Chavez and Michael A. Hiskey* ABSTRACT: Pyrotechnics produce irritating and obscuring smoke. High-nitrogen materials have been investigated for use in pyrotechnic compositions to reduce smoke production. Compositions containing dihydrazino-tetrazine have been found to produce brilliantly colored flames with little or no smoke or ash production. The preparation of dihydrazino-tetrazine is also discussed. Keywords: …
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Comment on: Glitter Chemistry, Issue 8.
Barry Sturman Having read Clive Jennings-White’s excellent article on glitter chemistry, I have re-visited the writings of M. Stanbridge on this topic. The following refers to aterial published in Stanbridge’s letter in Pyrotechnica XII, June 1988, p 3 ff. Click download link below for more information Ref: JPyro, Issue 9, 1999, pp1-6 (J9_1)