Category:Original articles

K.L. and B.J Kosanke ABSTRACT: A prime consideration in determining separation distance requirements for aerial fireworks displays is where fallout of dangerous debris is likely to occur. Certainly the most dangerous single piece of fallout is a dud aerial shell. Thus it is important to have knowledge of where duds may fall during typical displays. …
Continue reading Aerial Shell Drift Effects

K.L. and B.J Kosanke ABSTRACT: High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) mortars are beginning to find wide use because of their desirable characteristics. They are relatively inexpensive, lightweight, have a long service life, and some consider them to be among the safest mortars presently in use. Initially HDPE mortars were only recommended for use in electrically fired …
Continue reading Repeat Firing from HDPE Mortars

 K.L. and B.J Kosanke Introduction: There are times when it is of interest to measure propagation rates in highly energetic pyrotechnic materials, such as flash powder. These rates tend to range from less than 1000 to about 5000 feet per second. Conventional means of making such velocity of propagation (VOP) measurements involve the application of …
Continue reading Dautriche – Shock Tube Measurement of High Propagation Rates in Pyrotechnic Materials

K.L. and B.J Kosanke Introduction: In effect, there are two basic mechanisms for pyrotechnic burning. One, which is primarily burning inward, perpendicular to the burning surface, and one in which accelerated burning along surfaces is most important. These can be termed “parallel” and “propagative” burning, and the same pyrotechnic material can manifest radically different burn …
Continue reading Parallel and Propagative Burning

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 …
Continue reading Burn Characteristics of “Visco” Fuse

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 …
Continue reading Hazard Data for Chemicals Used in Pyrotechnics

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 …
Continue reading Shimizu Aerial Shell Ballistic Predictions, Parts 1 & 2

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 …
Continue reading Introduction to the Physics and Chemistry

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 …
Continue reading The Physics, Chemistry and Perception of Colored Flames, Part 1