K. L. & B. J. Kosanke* and F. Ryan ABSTRACT: A sample of Black Powder dating to the time of the US Civil War (ca. 1863) was harvested from cannon balls uncovered during an excavation on what had previously been the grounds of the Allegheny Arsenal near Pittsburgh, PA. A portion of this powder was …
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Category:JPyro – Articles
The main category – things that are published in the Journal
An Introduction to Chemical Thermodynamics Part 1 – Matter, Energy and the First Law
Barry Sturman ABSTRACT: This is the first in a series of articles presenting an introductory outline of chemical thermodynamics and chemical kinetics, with emphasis on those aspects of particular relevance to pyrotechnics. A brief comment on the molecular theory of matter is followed by a discussion of basic mechanics to introduce the concepts of work …
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The Hazards Posed by Fragments from Rupturing Steel Fireworks Mortar Tubes – Predictions from a Computer Model
M. R. Edwards, S. G. Myatt and S. Ellis ABSTRACT: Fragments with masses of up to 100 g and velocities of up to 510 m/s can be produced from spiral-wound mild steel mortar tubes when firework maroon shells of diameters up to 150 mm are exploded in them. External ballistics calculations indicate that such fragments …
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Organic Fuels: Composition and Formation Enthalpy-Part II – Resins, Charcoal, Pitch, Gilsonite, and Waxes
Will Meyerriecks ABSTRACT: The utilization of free energy minimization computer programs in areas of combustion research is likely to increase in the future. These programs require the specification of the reactant chemical formulas and their respective formation enthalpies as part of the input data set. Frequently, for common compounds, the values required are …
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Review of: The Chemistry of Explosives by Jacqueline Akhavan
The Chemistry of Explosives by Jacqueline Akhavan Review by Barry Sturman The prestigious Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC) is the professional organization of Britain’s chemists. It also publishes many books and journals on chemistry and related subjects, including RSC Paperbacks. According to the Society, “RSC Paperbacks are a series of inexpensive texts suitable for teachers …
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Review of: The Chemistry of Explosives by Jacqueline Akhavan
The Chemistry of Explosives Jacqueline Akhavan Review by: K. L. Kosanke This 173-page, paper-bound book was published by the Royal Society of Chemistry (RCS) and authored by Jacqueline Akhavan of Cranfield University, Royal Military College of Science, United Kingdom. The text potentially helps fill a gap in the literature of explosives by providing more information …
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Review of: Hearing Protection, A Guide for Those Who Manufacture, Test, or Use Explosives
Reveiw by John Bergman This publication addresses a much wider range of hearing protection issues than explosive noise per se. Despite its being structured specifically around British standards and regulations, its applicability to noise sources of all kinds should make it useful to safety personnel and industrial hygienists in any manufacturing environment. The guide opens …
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Review of: Selected Pyrotechnic Publications of Dr. Takeo Shimizu, Part 3: Studies on Fireworks Colored-Flame Compositions
Selected Pyrotechnic Publications Dr. Takeo Shimizu, Part 3: Studies on Fireworks Colored-Flame Compositions Review by: Barry Sturman This latest volume in the Pyrotechnic Literature Series presents a series of papers on work done by Dr. Shimizu in 1958 at the Hosoya Fireworks Company. Originally published in the Journal of the Industrial Explosives Society, Japan, the …
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Review of: Explosives Engineering by Paul W. Cooper
Explosives Engineering Paul W. Cooper Review by: L. Weinman This book is intended as a non-trivial text for those interested in the technology and science that lies behind explosive events and devices. While the book starts with introductions to some very basic chemical concepts, this reviewer is of the opinion that the book’s intended audience …
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Review of: Fireworks Principles and Practice by Ronald Lancaster
Fireworks Principles and Practice Ronald Lancaster Review by: Barry Sturman It is unlikely that many readers of these pages have not yet bought a copy of the third edition of the Reverend Ronald Lancaster’s Fireworks Principles and Practice (Chemical Publishing, New York, 1998). Those who have ignored this edition, because they already own first or second …
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