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 …
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Category:Books – Kosanke Articles
Selected Pyrotechnic Publications of KL and BJ Kosanke
Electrical Firing of Musically Choreographed Aerial Fireworks Displays
1.0 Introduction: There are a number of reasons why one might be reluctant to consider abandoning traditional show firing methods in favor of performing electrically fired shows, especially those choreographed to a musical program. One reason is the perceived high cost of performing such shows. Other reasons might be a lack of detailed knowledge about …
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An Idea for Small Shows
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 …
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The Physics, Chemistry and Perception of Colored Flames, Part 2
4.0 The Chemistry of Colored Flames 4.1 A Summary of General Chemistry for Colored Flame Production This paper is intended to benefit readers who do not enjoy a thorough understanding of chemistry. Thus, before dealing with more advanced topics, a discussion of some aspects of general chemistry may be of benefit. Any reader with an …
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Festival Ball Comets
Festival ball comets are inexpensive, easy to assemble and produce a nice effect. Before discussing their construction, let me acknowledge that, as far as I know, the basic idea for this firework originated with Bob Winokur. The device consists of a festival ball shell with comet composition coating the fuse end of the shell. Festival …
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Taming Triangle Diagrams
ABSTRACT: A “dialogue” is presented wherein the author demystifies the triangle diagram or trigonometrical graph and shows how it can be a means of discovering hidden relationships between the components of a pyrotechnic composition, finding optimum formulations for a pyrotechnic system, and for summarizing the results of pyrotechnic experiments. Ref: Selected Pyrotechnic Publication of K.L. …
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Safety Rating System for Pyro-Chemicals
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)
Basics of Hazard Management
K.L. and B.J. Kosanke, and C. Jennings-White The consequences of accidents can be devastating to those immediately involved and their relatives. However, the ramifications of accidents can extend much further. This is illustrated in what Richard Green (Idaho National Engineering Laboratory)[1] has described as “The Four Horsemen of Our Own Apocalypse”, specifically: ACCIDENTS, INJURIES, LITIGATION, …
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Hypothesis Explaining Muzzle Breaks
K.L. and B.J. Kosanke ABSTRACT: Muzzle breaking aerial shells continue to be a significant cause of serious injury for persons discharging display fireworks. The problem is greatest for manually fired displays, where the person igniting the fireworks remains in close proximity to the mortar. Over the years, many possible causes for muzzle breaks have been …
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Control of Pyrotechnic Burn Rate
B. J. and K. L. Kosanke ABSTRACT: There may be many times when a firework manufacturer will want to adjust the burn rate of pyrotechnic compositions. Sometimes this may be for matters of esthetics and other times for safety. For example, all of the following are unacceptable: • Strobe stars that flash with so low …
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