The Effect of Sample Containers on the Ignition Temperature of Sulfur/Chlorate Mixtures

D. Chapman and J. E. Fletcher ABSTRACT: In this communication we report the lowered thermal stability of sulfur/chlorate mixtures in contact with glass surfaces. Ignition temperatures as low as 100 °C were found in glass test tubes and are about 15 °C less than for the same mixture in a cardboard fireworks tube. Keywords: chlorate, …
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Shell Altitude vs. Mortar Length

Ron Dixon Introduction: During the mid 1980’s, I was the President and General Manager of San Diego Fireworks, Inc. At many of our Pyrotechnic Safety and Training Seminars, I was asked about the correlation between mortar length and altitude attained by aerial shells. Further, I have overheard many theories relating to a “vacuum” created within …
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Study on Various Polyesters as Binders for Pyrotechnic Composition

J.P. Agrawal*, S.N. Singh, D.B. Sarwade, V ABSTRACT: Two tracer compositions were formulated based on magnesium, strontium nitrate and sodium nitrate with unsaturated non-halo and halo polyesters as binders. They were characterized for mechanical properties, thermal behaviour, burning rate, luminous output, and impact, friction and spark sensitivities. The data show that the composition with chloropolyester …
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Forensic Testimony: “Matches”, An Over-Inference of Data? A Giglio Obligation?

Frederic Whitehurst ABSTRACT: The expert witness who over-infers his data through the misuse of adjectives of comparison opens himself up to cross-examination that can and will discredit his work product. This paper uses the example of forensic analysis of black powder explosive to demonstrate that one can not categorically “match” one Black Powder sample to …
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Pyrotechnic Particle Morphologies — Metal Fuels

K. L. & B. J. Kosanke and Richard C. Dujay ABSTRACT: The morphology (size, shape and surface features) of the constituent particles in a pyrotechnic composition affects its performance. This is particularly true of metal fuel particles in the composition. Particle morphology can also constitute an important part of forensically establishing a match between materials …
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Propellant Chemistry

Naminosuke Kubota ABSTRACT: Propellants used for pyrotechnics are composed of energetic materials that produce hightemperature and high-pressure gaseous products. The propellants are classified into three types by their physical structure and the ingredients used: (1) homogeneous propellants consisting of chemically bonded oxidizer and fuel components in the same molecule, (2) heterogeneous propellants consisting of physically …
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Studies of the Thermal Stability and Sensitiveness of Sulfur/Chlorate Mixtures Part 3. The Effects of Stoichiometry, Particle Size and Added Materials

D. Chapman, R. K. Wharton, J. E. Fletcher & A. E. Webb ABSTRACT: The effects of stoichiometry and particle size on the thermal stability and sensitiveness of sulfur/chlorate mixtures have been investigated. Mixtures containing small particles and approximately 5% sulfur were shown to be the least thermally stable. Sulfur/chlorate mixtures containing a third component have …
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Chemical Analysis of Consumer Fireworks

Per Alenfelt ABSTRACT: A chemical analysis of a selection of fireworks has been made. The products were chosen to represent the typical use of consumer fireworks in Sweden 1998. The purpose of the assignment was to estimate to what extent consumer fireworks contribute to the total emission of some undesirable elements in Sweden. Six consumer …
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A Labscale Hybrid Rocket Motor for Instrumentation Studies

Robert Shanks and M. Keith Hudson ABSTRACT: An interest in plume spectroscopy led to the development of a labscale Hybrid Rocket Facility at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock (UALR). The goal of this project was to develop a reliable, consistent rocket motor testbed for the development of plume spectroscopy instrumentation. Hybrid motor technology …
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Review of The Chemistry of Fireworks by Michael S. Russell

Review of The Chemistry of Fireworks Michael S. Russell Reveiw by Barry Sturman At first glance, this 117-page paperback book[1] looks very promising. According to the publisher’s description, the book “is aimed at students with ‘A’ level qualifications or equivalent. The style is concise and easy to understand, and the theory of fireworks is discussed …
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