Barry Sturman As pointed out in the subject paper several writers have erroneously attributed the molecular band spectra that produce the characteristic colours of flames containing various metals M, (M = Ca, Sr, Ba or Cu) and Cl to the singlycharged ions MCl+. Ref: JPyro, Issue 21, 2005, pp71-72 (J21_71)
Category:JPyro – Articles
The main category – things that are published in the Journal
Maximizing the Number of Electric Matches That Can Be Fired in a Single Circuit
Michael A. Tockstein ABSTRACT: For a given electric match resistance and wire gauge, the number of electric matches that one can fire in a single circuit, using a standard DC firing system, depends on the arrangement in which the electric matches are wired (series, parallel or series-parallel). The number of electric matches fired from a …
Continue reading Maximizing the Number of Electric Matches That Can Be Fired in a Single Circuit
Spectral Study of Metallic Molecular Bands in Hybrid Rocket Plumes
K. L. Maxwell and M. K. Hudson ABSTRACT: A labscale hybrid rocket was used to study spectral bands produced by metal combustion. Bands in the ultraviolet-visible region (300–750 nm) are of interest. The rubber-like fuel, hydroxyl-terminated polybutadiene (HTPB), was doped with a metallic salt for introduction into the plume during combustion. When introduced, the metals …
Continue reading Spectral Study of Metallic Molecular Bands in Hybrid Rocket Plumes
Strobe Chemistry
Clive Jennings-White ABSTRACT: Pyrotechnic strobe compositions burn in an oscillatory manner such that there is a marked variation of emitted light intensity as a function of time. The most common theoretical explanation for the phenomenon is that such compositions contain within them sub-compositions that may be regarded as a smoulder composition and a flash composition. …
Continue reading Strobe Chemistry
Impact Sensitiveness Analysis of Pyrotechnic Flash Compositions
S. P. Sivapirakasam, M. Surianarayanan, P. Nagaraj,1 G. S. Venkataratnam ABSTRACT: Impact sensitiveness of pyrotechnic flash compositions consisting of mixtures of potassium nitrate (KNO3), sulphur (S) and aluminium (Al) is experimentally analyzed using equipment similar to BAM (fall hammer) equipment. Results indicate that an increase in the sulphur content of the mixture raises its sensitivity …
Continue reading Impact Sensitiveness Analysis of Pyrotechnic Flash Compositions
Choked Flow, a Frequently Misunderstood Term
Lawrence Weinman ABSTRACT: A brief description of compressible fluid flow is presented to clarify and, hopefully, reduce the incorrect usage of the term “choked flow” in the fireworks community. Keywords: choked flow, fluid flow, gas velocity, mass flow, rocket, sonic flow Ref: JPyro, Issue 21, 2005, pp31-38 (J21_31)
Special Materials in Pyrotechnics: IV.[1] The Chemistry of Phosphorus and its Compounds
Ernst-Christian Koch ABSTRACT: The combustion chemistry of phosphorus and its compounds in pyrotechnic applications is discussed. Whereas red phosphorus (RP) and phosphorus sulfides can be used as fuels, the phosphates can be used as oxidizers in metalcontaining pyrolants. Phosphorus combustion mainly occurs in the gas phase after volatilization of the parent phosphorus source, be it …
Continue reading Special Materials in Pyrotechnics: IV.[1] The Chemistry of Phosphorus and its Compounds
Simple Core Design for Neutral Burn Composite Rocket Motors
S. K. Anderson ABSTRACT: Two simple techniques for improving small amateur-type rocket motors are discussed. The first uses a simple, post-cure technique to produce neutral thrust profiles using a simple machinist’s tap. The second uses a small Black Powder pellet to improve reliability and ignition of composite rocket motors. Keywords: rocket motor, composite propellant, thrust …
Continue reading Simple Core Design for Neutral Burn Composite Rocket Motors
Optical Studies of Combustion Chamber Flame in a Hybrid Rocket Motor
Andrew B. Wright, Jason E. Elsasser, M. Keith Hudson, and Ann M. Wright ABSTRACT: The oxygen injector head in UALR’s labscale hybrid rocket motor has been redesigned to include a coaxially located optical port. This port permits viewing directly into the space in front of the fuel grain where combustion is initiated. It is designed …
Continue reading Optical Studies of Combustion Chamber Flame in a Hybrid Rocket Motor
Air Blast TNT Equivalency for Rolls of Paper Toy Caps
K. R. Mniszewski and K. L. Kosanke ABSTRACT: A study of the explosive output of rolls of paper toy caps, in variously sized assemblages, was conducted. The testing has shown that toy cap rolls are clearly capable of producing a powerful explosive effect if initiated with a sufficiently energetic event. TNT equivalencies based on toy …
Continue reading Air Blast TNT Equivalency for Rolls of Paper Toy Caps