Category:Free to Download

(* RAP stands for Rapid Assembly Plastic) We have had a high degree of success using RAP Shells. Assembly times are a small fraction of what is required for Italian style construction and nicely symmetric breaks can be achieved when the proper techniques are employed. This article is a summary of successful methods used by …
Continue reading RAP Shell Assembly Techniques

Introduction: One hears a number of reasons why some manufacturers are reluctant to seriously consider the use of plastic shells. Among these are a feeling that it would somehow represent a betrayal of tradition and aesthetic values; the problem of long lasting debris; that it requires the learning and application of significantly different techniques, which …
Continue reading Economics of Plastic Shell Construction

The sizzling colored comets described in this article have brilliantly colored heads, have short white tails and produce a sound much like frying bacon. They are very simple modifications of standard potassium perchlorate color compositions, are inexpensive and are relatively easy to make. These sizzling colored comets are suitable for use as comet stars in …
Continue reading Sizzling Colored Comets

One problem commonly faced by smaller display operators is the sponsor of an inexpensive show ($1000 to $5000) who wants a longer show than he has money for. The obvious solution, slowing down the firing, is usually a poor choice. Some slowing may be practical, but often the sponsor of these small shows wants about …
Continue reading An Idea for Small Shows

The safety ratings are given for four areas of hazard concern: Ref: Selected Pyrotechnic Publication of K.L. and B.J Kosanke, Part 3, (1993-1994), pp 92-93 (K3_92)

K. L. and B. J. Kosanke The title of this very short article is, in effect, a direct quote from a label found on some display firework aerial shells, see Figure 1. As it turns out, the label is more literally correct than might have been intended. Note that one of the instructions is to …
Continue reading Warning Extremely Dangerous Directions for Firing

K. L. and B. J. Kosanke It is difficult to argue that the quality of Chinese fireworks has not improved greatly over the past 25 years. However, that is not to say that on occasion, one still does not encounter quality related problems, sometimes so extreme that it is hard to believe. The photo in …
Continue reading An Interesting New Design???

M. J. McVicar and K. L. Kosanke The forensic science community has had a long-standing interest in the analysis of the residues deposited after the deployment of devices whose operation involves a controlled explosion. For example, testing for the residues of the compounds of lead, barium, and antimony, used in the primer of small-arms ammunitions, …
Continue reading Indoor Pyrotechnics-A Brief Cautionary Message

K. L. and B. J. Kosanke In the hope of avoiding a serious accident, earlier issues of Fireworks Business carried a report of the powerfully explosive malfunctions of some tiger-tail comets,[1] and then a brief report of an examination and initial testing of a number of the suspect comets.[2] Since that time, samples from one …
Continue reading Further Report on the Testing of Suspect Tiger-Tail Comets