Matthew L. Davies
ABSTRACT: Although the first efforts in understanding pyrotechnic whistles began over fifty years ago, there is still no firmly established mechanism that accurately describes their operation. This review describes the progress made and the current state of knowledge of combustion phenomena in whistle devices. In addition, investigations into identifying alternative safer fuels and additives to increase the striking audio-visual features of these devices are also reported. Finally, it is concluded that despite these great advances in understanding pyrotechnic whistles, there is still some doubt as to their true operating mechanism.
Keywords: pyrotechnic whistle, combustion mechanism, oscillatory combustion, acoustics
Ref: JPyro, Issue 21, 2005, pp1-12
(J21_1)
© Journal of Pyrotechnics and CarnDu Ltd
