Review of: The Chemistry of Fireworks by Michael S. Russell

Review of The Chemistry of Fireworks Michael S. Russell Review by Paul Smith Michael S. Russell’s treatise on the chemistry involved in the composition of display fireworks is a welcome primer on the chemistry of pyrotechnics. While this book was written for the student with ‘A’ level qualification or equivalent, it has potential for use …
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Comment on: “Shell Altitude vs. Mortar Length” by R. Dixon

Shell Altitude vs. Mortar Length R. Dixon Review by Clive Jennings-White Ron Dixon has presented results on the correlation between the altitude achieved by a 3- inch (76-mm) shell and the length of the mortar from which it was fired. Provided that the mortar length was at least 18 inches (457 mm), there was no …
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Review of: Experimental Composite Propellant An Introduction to Properties and Preparation of Composite Propellant Design, Construction, Testing and Characteristics of Small Rocket Motors by Terry W. McCreary

Experimental Composite Propellant An Introduction to Properties and Preparation of Composite Propellant Design, Construction, Testing and Characteristics of Small Rocket Motors Terry W. McCreary Review by Terry W. McCreary There are many references available to address design, construction, and evaluation of chemical propulsion devices. Terry McCreary has provided a fresh look at the science and …
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Fixed and Scanning Infrared Radiometers for Combustion Studies

Kathy Underhill-Shanks and M. Keith Hudson & Matthew J. Russo ABSTRACT: The feasibility of using lead selenide (PbSe) detectors and simple electronic circuitry, including a 600 Hz chopper and chopper frequency/ phase reference circuit, to detect infrared emissions from flames and rocket motor plumes was demonstrated. A fixed wavelength radiometer, employing one-inch interference filters and …
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Practical Applications of Capillary Extrusion Rheometry to Problems in the Processing of Energetic Materials

Roy E. Carter ABSTRACT: Energetic materials are manufactured by processes involving flow, often under conditions of elevated temperature and pressure. Such processes include extrusion, casting and pressing. If the manner in which the material flows under these conditions is not well understood, production and quality problems may result. A capillary extrusion rheometer is essentially a …
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Studies of the Thermal Stability and Sensitiveness of Sulfur/Chlorate Mixtures Part 4. Firework Compositions and Investigation of the Sulfur/Chlorate Initiation Reaction

D. Chapman, R. K. Wharton, J. E. Fletcher and A. E. Webb ABSTRACT: Fireworks formulations were modified to produce compositions containing sulfur/chlorate mixtures, and their thermal stability and mechanical sensitiveness were studied. The results indicate that the presence of sulfur/chlorate mixtures in fireworks compositions reduces the ignition temperatures to values well below those obtained with …
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An Introduction to Chemical Thermodynamics Part 2—Entropy, Molecular Disorder, and the Second and Third Laws

Barry Sturman ABSTRACT: This is the second in a series of articles, prepared at the request of the publisher of this Journal, presenting an introductory outline of chemical thermodynamics and chemical kinetics, with emphasis on those aspects of particular relevance to pyrotechnics. The First Law of Thermodynamics, which was the subject of the first article, …
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A Survey of Analytical Tools for Explosion Investigations

K. R. Mniszewski & R. Pape ABSTRACT: Practical analytical techniques that have been found to be useful in explosion investigation include: timeline analysis, experimental data comparisons, thermochemical code analysis, TNT and other air blast equivalency techniques, ground shock analysis, dynamic gas concentration estimates, simple fuel/air explosion codes, damage pattern analysis and system safety analysis methods. An …
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Pyrotechnic Particle Morphology—Low Melting Point Oxidizers

K. L. Kossanke, B. J. Kosanke & Richard C. Dujay ABSTRACT: The morphology (size, shape and surface features) of the constituent particles in a pyrotechnic composition affects its performance. While this is particularly true for high melting point fuels and oxidizers in the composition, to a lesser extent it is also true for those with …
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Speculation on the Effects of Gunshot or Explosive Residues on Historic Silk Flags

Charles S. Tumosa ABSTRACT: Historic battle flags and uniforms are collected by museums, and many have significance as icons representative of their owners as well as historic context. The effects of battle, both mechanical and chemical, have an impact on the projected lifetimes of these objects in museums website here. Modern air quality, as well …
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