K. L. & B. J. Kosanke ABSTRACT: A simple, low-cost visible light spectrometer, consisting primarily of a video camcorder and an inexpensive diffraction grating, was assembled and found to be of use in work to improve colored pyrotechnic flames. This instrument is all that is needed to collect and store useful, qualitative flame color information. …
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Category:JPyro – Articles
The main category – things that are published in the Journal
Studies on the Use of Epoxy Resin Binder in Small Rockets
R. I. Grose ABSTRACT: A propellant suitable for use in small firework rockets has been developed. The binder used in the composition is an epoxy resin. The composition can be mixed while wet, thus reducing safety hazards. The propellant has been evaluated using a simple lab-built thrust measurement apparatus, and has been shown to have …
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Artificial Meteor Fireworks
D. Caulkins ABSTRACT: The use of ballistic-missile-delivered artificial meteors is discussed as a means of generating large scale pyrotechnic displays. Possible delivery vehicles are suggested, and designs are presented for the artificial meteors, payloads, and deployment missions. Safety and cost issues are discussed. Keywords: artificial meteor, ballistic missile, ICBM Ref: JPyro, Issue 7, 1998, pp26-32 (J7_26)
An Oxygen-Exchange Approach to Pyrotechnic Formulations
E. J. Clinger & Wesley D. Smith ABSTRACT: An old model of pyrotechnic reactions is presented in such a way that modern pyrotechnists are able to create new formulations using the principles of chemical stoichiometry but without having to know the exact products of the reaction involved. According to the model, pyrotechnic reactions occur in …
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High-Nitrogen Pyrotechnic Compositions
David E. Chavez and Michael A. Hiskey* ABSTRACT: Pyrotechnics produce irritating and obscuring smoke. High-nitrogen materials have been investigated for use in pyrotechnic compositions to reduce smoke production. Compositions containing dihydrazino-tetrazine have been found to produce brilliantly colored flames with little or no smoke or ash production. The preparation of dihydrazino-tetrazine is also discussed. Keywords: …
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Comment on: Glitter Chemistry, Issue 8.
Barry Sturman Having read Clive Jennings-White’s excellent article on glitter chemistry, I have re-visited the writings of M. Stanbridge on this topic. The following refers to aterial published in Stanbridge’s letter in Pyrotechnica XII, June 1988, p 3 ff. Click download link below for more information Ref: JPyro, Issue 9, 1999, pp1-6 (J9_1)
The Production of Music with Pyrotechnic Whistles
Fred Ryan ABSTRACT: The techniques used by the Western Pennsylvania Skylighters to produce music with pyrotechnic whistles are described. Whistle tubes of various diameters and lengths are used to produce individual notes. The tubes, containing small amounts of compressed whistle composition, are fired electrically. Construction details are given for producing very reproducible notes over five …
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Comment on:Composite Colored Stars, Issue 8
Review by: Will Meyerriecks Scot Anderson’s article states that “The calcium [impurity that interferes with flame color] may be present as a trace element in the water used during rocessing”. (p 25, “Green” section) That is certainly possible, though I rather doubt it. Another potential source is the addition of “TCP”—tricalcium phosphate—also known as “anti-cake”—to …
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Studies on Low Smoke Photoflash Compositions
R. Hancox, M. Wilson and B. Whiffen ABSTRACT: There have been numerous reports in recent years of problems with the use of certain pyrotechnic photoflash compositions in noise simulators. The most common has been the gassing problem caused by the oxidation, during storage, of the magnesium metal fuel. In addition the quantity of particulate smoke …
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The Rare Earths As Possible Flame Color Agents
Barry T. Sturman ABSTRACT: Colors observed when solutions of scandium, yttrium and the lanthanide elements were sprayed into an inductively coupled plasma are reported. It is suggested, but without experimental evidence, that the colors seen in the lower temperature regions of the plasma (and in a pre-mixed air-acetylene flame) might also be produced by appropriate …
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