K.L. Kosanke
The proper use of technical and scientific terms is fundamentally important for clear and effective communication. It is also a mark of a professional to use the vocabulary correctly. Toward that end, the following brief article is offered. There are a series of notes [a–e] included for additional and qualifying information at the end of the text. However, it is suggested that the article be read first in its entirety before diverting to read the notes.
Ref: Selected Pyrotechnic Publication of K.L. and B.J Kosanke, Part 3, (1993-1994), pp 14-15
(K3_14)
© Journal of Pyrotechnics and CarnDu Ltd
Good article and I agree that a lot of tests are lacking especially with whistle burst, which has in certain circumstances reached critical mass unconfined in lower amount than flash. Several people have witnessed this and the shockwaves produced by well mixed fast whistle burst seems to get stronger as amount increases, 3 grams of 70/30 pp/pb whistle versuse the same pp/german dark aluminum in 70/30. The flash powder seems to burn much more energetically but try the same at higher amounts and you may see different results. i.e just the opposite. Whistle burst is used in small amounts for burst in small shells. I have witnessed an ounce of whistle unconfined go off like this when set of electrically, but nothing below about an ounce. We don’t use that much whistle to burst shells. In rockets its another story as they add small amounts other substances to reduce friction/sensitivity and these mixes are well pressed.