K. R. Mniszewski and K. L. Kosanke
ABSTRACT: A study of the explosive output of rolls of paper toy caps, in variously sized assemblages, was conducted. The testing has shown that toy cap rolls are clearly capable of producing a powerful explosive effect if initiated with a sufficiently energetic event. TNT equivalencies based on toy cap composition mass ranged from approximately 10 to 80% for different sized configurations, with the largest equivalences being produced by the largest assemblages of toy caps tested. The results of this study are disturbing, considering that the toy caps (even in bulk packaging) have a UN classification of 1.4S, which by definition should not produce significant blast or fireball effects when initiated. Thus perhaps it is appropriate to consider whether the UN test protocol is adequate for this product.
Keywords: air blast, TNT equivalence, toy caps, Armstrong’s mixture, UN test
Ref: JPyro, Issue 21, 2005, pp13-20
(J21_13)
© Journal of Pyrotechnics and CarnDu Ltd
