Category:Original articles

One type of fireworks data generally only guessed at is the altitudes of aerial shells at the time of their burst. In addition to addressing general curiosity, this data is often necessary when designing major aerial displays. Frequently it is important to know fairly accurately at what altitudes the various shells will appear. The rule-of-thumb, …
Continue reading Determination of Aerial Shell Burst Altitudes

During the past couple years, in the course of assisting attorneys as an expert witness, I have come to learn a little about product liability. Because this subject is so important to our industry and because product liability laws are not well understood by many of us, I have decided to share with you what …
Continue reading Understanding Product Liability (Parts I and II)

Several months ago, our company was approached by the Suisman Titanium Corporation. They told us that they were considering introducing some new titanium products specifically intended for the fireworks trade, and that their materials would be priced below that of titanium sponge. They asked whether we would perform an evaluation of their “Pyro-Flake” titanium and …
Continue reading An Evaluation of “Pyro-Flake” Titanium for Use in Fireworks

When firing by hand, the problems of steel mortars can easily be over-looked. However, even for relatively small electrically fired displays, steel mortars and the usual alternatives (paper and PVC mortars) have limitations that are difficult to cope with. Steel mortars are heavy; when several hundred may be needed for a show, their weight can …
Continue reading HDPE Mortars for Electrically Fired Displays

1.0 Introduction: There are a number of reasons why one might be reluctant to consider abandoning traditional show firing methods in favor of performing electrically fired shows, especially those choreographed to a musical program. One reason is the perceived high cost of performing such shows. Other reasons might be a lack of detailed knowledge about …
Continue reading Electrical Firing of Musically Choreographed Aerial Fireworks Displays

4.0 The Chemistry of Colored Flames 4.1 A Summary of General Chemistry for Colored Flame Production This paper is intended to benefit readers who do not enjoy a thorough understanding of chemistry. Thus, before dealing with more advanced topics, a discussion of some aspects of general chemistry may be of benefit. Any reader with an …
Continue reading The Physics, Chemistry and Perception of Colored Flames, Part 2

ABSTRACT: A “dialogue” is presented wherein the author demystifies the triangle diagram or trigonometrical graph and shows how it can be a means of discovering hidden relationships between the components of a pyrotechnic composition, finding optimum formulations for a pyrotechnic system, and for summarizing the results of pyrotechnic experiments. Ref: Selected Pyrotechnic Publication of K.L. …
Continue reading Taming Triangle Diagrams