Wesley D. Smith ABSTRACT:This is the first in a series of tutorials that introduce the concepts of chemistry to practicing pyrotechnists. It begins with the fundamental ideas of atoms and molecules. The reactions of these entities, together with their symbols, their nomenclature, their stoichiometry, and their energetics, are then described with pyrotechnic examples. Keywords: chemistry, …
Continue reading Introductory Chemistry for Pyrotechnists, Part 1: Atoms, Molecules, and Their Interactions
Category:Original articles
These articles are now free to download
Observations on the Behaviour of Seamed Steel Mortar Tubes
Stewart G. Myatt ABSTRACT: This paper reports results taken from a wider investigation of the effect of various parameters on the fragmentation behaviour of steel firework mortar tubes. During simulated misfire experimental information was obtained relating to the role of the weld in determining rupture behaviour in seamed steel mortar tubes. The results have helped …
Continue reading Observations on the Behaviour of Seamed Steel Mortar Tubes
Observations on the Heights Attained by Spherical Fireworks Shells
Roland K. Wharton ABSTRACT: This paper examines previously published information on the heights attained by spherical firework shells and proposes some empirical relationships that enable rough estimates to be made of the height attained from knowledge of either the mass or the diameter of the shell. Keywords: shell height, shell mass, lift charge mass, shell …
Continue reading Observations on the Heights Attained by Spherical Fireworks Shells
Selected Pyrotechnic Publications of Dr. Takeo Shimizu, Part 4. The Design Criteria for Chrysanthemum Shells
This book comprises 8 chapters Chapter 1 – Preface Chapter 2 – Basic chrysanthemum construction. Chapter 3 – Design problems. Chapter 4 – Pre-calculations and preparation for experiments. Chapter 5 – Burst charge experiments. Chapter 6 – Star velocity formulas. Chapter 7 – Ballistic tables for moving stars. Chapter 8 – Comparison of calculated and experimental …
Continue reading Selected Pyrotechnic Publications of Dr. Takeo Shimizu, Part 4. The Design Criteria for Chrysanthemum Shells
Selected Pyrotechnic Publications of Dr. Takeo Shimizu, Part 3. Studies on Fireworks Colored Flame Compositions
Part I. Theoretical Development of the Line-Reversal Method for Temperature Measurement of Flames Part II. Temperature Measurement of Flames by Means of Line-Reversal Method Part III. On Backgrounds of Color Flame Spectra Part IV. On Flame Spectra of Red, Yellow and Green Color Compositions Part V. On Flame Spectra of Blue Color Compositions Part VI. …
Continue reading Selected Pyrotechnic Publications of Dr. Takeo Shimizu, Part 3. Studies on Fireworks Colored Flame Compositions
Selected Pyrotechnic Publications of Dr. Takeo Shimizu, Part 2
The Critical Burning of Pyrotechnic Compositions Some Techniques for Manufacturing Fireworks (1) Dark Delay Compositions, (2) The Use of Metal Powders Research on the Most Appropriate Method for the Pyrotechnic Industry To Determine the Sensitivity of Compositions Study on the Reaction Mechanism of Black Powder And Its Applications Ballistics of Firework Shells Detection of Underwater Blasting …
Continue reading Selected Pyrotechnic Publications of Dr. Takeo Shimizu, Part 2
Selected Pyrotechnic Publications of KL and BJ Kosanke Part 7 (2003 and 2004)
Roman Candle Accident: Comet Characteristics Pyrotechnic Burn Rate Measurement: Interstitial Flame Spread Rate Testing Aerial Shell Augmentation Effects Feasibility Study on the Use of Nanoscale Thermites for Lead-Free Electric Matches Characterization of Pyrotechnic Reaction Residue Particles by SEM / EDS WARNING: Serious Product Malfunction Flowerpots and Muzzle Breaks Report on the Initial Testing of Suspect …
Continue reading Selected Pyrotechnic Publications of KL and BJ Kosanke Part 7 (2003 and 2004)
Selected Pyrotechnic Publications of KL and BJ Kosanke Part 6 (2001 and 2002)
Fire Sculptures Using FireRope Electric Matches: Physical Parameters Electric Matches: Ramp Firing Current Pyrotechnic Reaction Residue Particle Identification by SEM / EDS Hypotheses Regarding Star-Shell Detonations Chlorate Compositions in Quickmatch Faversham's Gunpowder Mills Floating Dud Aerial Shells Study on the Effect of Leg Wire Attachment on the Height Attained by Aerial Shells The Effect of …
Continue reading Selected Pyrotechnic Publications of KL and BJ Kosanke Part 6 (2001 and 2002)
Selected Pyrotechnic Publications of KL and BJ Kosanke Part 5 (1998 through 2000)
Development of a Video Spectrometer Some Measurements of Glitter Lift Charge Loss for a Shell to Remain in the Mortar Configuration and “Over-Load” Studies of Concussion Mortars Quick Match: A Review and Study Pyrotechnic Primes and Priming Dud Shell Risk Assessment: NFPA Distances Dud Shell Risk Assessment: Mortar Placement Performance Test of Civil War Black …
Continue reading Selected Pyrotechnic Publications of KL and BJ Kosanke Part 5 (1998 through 2000)
Selected Pyrotechnic Publications of KL and BJ Kosanke Part 4 (1995 through 1997)
Stars Blown Blind Fireworks and their Hazards Concussion Mortar Internal Pressure, Recoil and Overpressure as Functions of Powder Mass Hazardous Chemical Combinations Explosive Limit of Armstrong’s Mixture Aerial Shell Drift Effects: A) The Effect of Long Mortars B) The Effect of Capsule-Shaped Shells Pyrotechnic Spark Generation An Instrument for the Evaluation of Black Powder as …
Continue reading Selected Pyrotechnic Publications of KL and BJ Kosanke Part 4 (1995 through 1997)