K.L. and B.J Kosanke
ABSTRACT: The sensitiveness of a collection of ten electric match types, from four suppliers, was determined under conditions intended to reflect their actual use to ignite fireworks displays. The measurements included determinations of impact, electrostatic discharge (ESD), friction, and thermal sensitiveness. The ESD tests considered discharges both through the bridgewire and from the bridgewire through the composition to ground. When safety shrouds were provided by the manufacturer, additional impact and ESD (through the composition) testing was performed with the safety shrouds left in place on the electric match tips. (Note that users often remove the protective shrouds for convenience during use.) To simulate conditions during use, additional impact and friction testing was performed with Black Powder prime composition in the presence of match tips. It was found that there was a wide range of electric match sensitiveness, that the presence of the shrouds provided significant decreases in sensitiveness, and that the presence of Black Powder prime did not significantly affect sensitiveness.
Keywords: electric match, impact sensitiveness, friction sensitiveness, thermal sensitiveness, electrostatic discharge sensitiveness, ESD, sensitiveness testing
Ref: Selected Pyrotechnic Publication of K.L. and B.J Kosanke, Part 6, (2001-2002), pp 61-81
(K6_61)
© Journal of Pyrotechnics and CarnDu Ltd
