Aerial Shell Drift Effects: A) The Effect of Long Mortars B) The Effect of Capsule-Shaped Shells

K. L. and B. J. Kosanke, A. L. Bauer and . E. R. Mutascioke Abstract: Aerial shell drift is defined as the difference between the ballistically predicted trajectory of a shell and its actual trajectory. It had been speculated that longer length mortars and capsule-shaped shells might experience significantly different drift than normal length mortars …
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Explosive Limit of Armstrong’s Mixture

K. L. and B. J. Kosanke When investigating the cause of an accident, it was necessary to learn something about the lower explosive limit with regard to phosphorus content in Armstrong’s Mixture. A short literature search did not produce the needed information; thus a brief laboratory study was undertaken. Because the results of the study …
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Hazardous Chemical Combinations: A Discussion

Clive Jennings-White and K. L. Kosanke ABSTRACT: All pyrotechnic compositions present some hazard due to their ability to produce energy. However, some compositions pose an added hazard because of the combination of incompatible materials. The use of such compositions may result in more frequent accidental ignitions during processing or spontaneous ignitions during storage. Other compositions …
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Concussion Mortar Internal Pressure, Recoil and Air Blast as Functions of Powder Mass

K. L. & B. J. Kosanke ABSTRACT: A concussion mortar is a device used to produce jarring explosive sounds at events such as concerts and other theatrical productions. It consists of a heavy steel bar, drilled out to produce an explosion chamber. A type of pyrotechnic flash powder is loaded into the explosion chamber and …
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Fireworks and their Hazards

Thomas J. Poulton, M.D and Kenneth L. Kosanke, Ph.D. “What are fireworks like?” she had asked. “They are like the Aurora Borealis,” said the King, “only much more natural. I prefer them to stars myself, as you always know when they are going to appear….”                Oscar Wilde, The Remarkable Rocket. Although appreciative audiences may value …
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Stars Blown Blind

K.L. and B.J Kosanke When an aerial shell bursts, stars that fail to burn are often said to be “blind stars”, or more descriptively as having been “blown blind”. This detracts from the beauty of the shell and contributes to debris fallout. The problem can be caused by any of a combination of factors; the …
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