In manufacturing chrysanthemum shells, most of the effort of fireworkers has been directed towards obtaining a certain number of ‘petals’ and at the same time obtaining a large flower radius. In this paper the author evaluates the fundamental conditions required to meet these objectives. The problems are two-fold. The first problem is the initial velocity …
Continue reading Chapter 3 — Problems in Designing Chrysanthemum Shellspj
Category:Original articles
These articles are now free to download
Chapter 2 — Construction of Chrysanthemum Shells
Japanese firework shells are of two principal types, the so-called poka and the warimono (chrysanthemum). The poka breaks just hard enough to disperse its contents into the air. The shell is made only as strong as it needs to be to withstand the shock of being fired. In contrast, the chrysanthemum shell must be strong …
Continue reading Chapter 2 — Construction of Chrysanthemum Shells
Measurement of Aerial Shell Velocity
K.L. and B.J. Kosanke Introduction: In addition to satisfying general curiosity, there are technical questions requiring knowledge of aerial shell velocity. For example, a calculation of how far down range aerial shells will have traveled at various times after having been fired from highly angled mortars requires knowledge of the shell’s muzzle velocity and its …
Continue reading Measurement of Aerial Shell Velocity
The Role of the Expert Witness
K.L. Kosanke There is a good deal of misunderstanding as to the role of the expert witness in our legal system. Because of this; because I think the subject is intrinsically interesting; and because no one else has chosen to present the subject in an article for the fireworks trade, I have decided to make …
Continue reading The Role of the Expert Witness
“Skip Burning” of Visco Fuse
K.L. and B.J. Kosanke In late December 1978 more than 100 serious injuries were reported in eastern Kentucky, apparently the result of defective visco fuse.[1] The defective fuse had been used by a manufacturer of M-80’s and other illegal consumer devices. These devices “exploded as soon as they were lit”, apparently while still being held …
Continue reading “Skip Burning” of Visco Fuse
Electric Matches & Squibs
K.L. and B.J. Kosanke The terms electric match and squib are often used interchangeably in the fireworks industry. However, there are at least two good reasons not to do this, one technical and one legal. Technically, these are two different items both in terms of form and function. Legally, although both are Class C explosives …
Continue reading Electric Matches & Squibs
Lancework — Pictures in Fire
B.J. and K.L. Kosanke ABSTRACT: Lancework set pieces can be one of the most interesting forms of fireworks. If one uses highquality lance formulas, skillfully designed lance figures, provides clever animation, or tells an interesting story, the intertainment value of lancework can reach the heights it should. This article describes the methods used by the …
Continue reading Lancework — Pictures in Fire
Fireworks Displays — Abnormally Dangerous Activity ? ? ?
K.L. Kosanke Most of the fireworks display industry is aware of the ruling of the Washington state supreme court, which declared the conducting of fireworks displays to be an abnormally dangerous activity.[1] In part, that ruling was based on their considered opinion that, by their very nature, fireworks displays could not be performed safely. One …
Continue reading Fireworks Displays — Abnormally Dangerous Activity ? ? ?
Aluminum Metal Powders Used in Pyrotechnics
K.L. and B.J Kosanke [This article is an updated, enlarged version of one originally appearing in Pyrotechnics GuildInternational Bulletin Nos. 27 and 28 (1981– 82).] Of those chemicals used in pyrotechnics (with the possible exception of charcoal) aluminum metal powders have the ability to produce the greatest variety and range of effects. Thus, mastery of …
Continue reading Aluminum Metal Powders Used in Pyrotechnics
Timing Aerial Shell Bursts for Maximum Performance and Safety
K.L. and B.J Kosanke The time chosen for the interval between a shell firing and its burst is sometimes given less thought than it deserves. By carefully choosing the delay interval provided by the time fuse, it may be possible to produce undistorted bursts, with a higher level of safety. When an aerial shell bursts, …
Continue reading Timing Aerial Shell Bursts for Maximum Performance and Safety