RAP Shell Assembly Techniques

(* 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 …
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An Evaluation of “Pyro-Flake” Titanium for Use in Fireworks

Several months ago, our company was approached by the Suisman Titanium Corporation. They told us that they were considering introducing some new titanium products specifically intended for the fireworks trade, and that their materials would be priced below that of titanium sponge. They asked whether we would perform an evaluation of their “Pyro-Flake” titanium and …
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Economics of Plastic Shell Construction

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 …
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HDPE Mortars for Electrically Fired Displays

When firing by hand, the problems of steel mortars can easily be over-looked. However, even for relatively small electrically fired displays, steel mortars and the usual alternatives (paper and PVC mortars) have limitations that are difficult to cope with. Steel mortars are heavy; when several hundred may be needed for a show, their weight can …
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Sizzling Colored Comets

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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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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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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