K.L. and B.J Kosanke
ABSTRACT: It had been speculated that the replacement of fierce burning quick match shell leaders with electric matches might have contributed to the production of a significant number of low breaking aerial shells experienced by a small fireworks display company. A preliminary study of the effect of ignition stimulus level did not supporting the theory that the weaker stimulus provided by electric matches (possibly in conjunction with Chinese lift powder) was the reason for the low breaking shells. However, that study was thought not to be sufficiently conclusive to completely settle the question. Accordingly, a more extensive series of tests were subsequently performed. For these tests, because of the lack of sufficient Chinese lift powder, Goex (USA) Black Powder was used. The result of these tests was that again no effect was observed for the flight times of the test aerial shells. The average flight times for groups of approximately 30 of the 75- mm (3-in.) test shells was 9.65 ± 0.13 seconds and 9.58 ± 0.17 seconds for shells using quick match and electric match firing, respectively.
Ref: Selected Pyrotechnic Publication of K.L. and B.J Kosanke, Part 6, (2001-2002), pp 50-53
(K6_50)
© Journal of Pyrotechnics and CarnDu Ltd
