Peak In-Mortar Aerial Shell Accelerations

K. L. and B. J. Kosanke

ABSTRACT: Internal mortar pressures were measured for a range of somewhat typical fireworks aerial shell firing conditions. These data were used to determine the peak shell accelerations produced during firing. Under the conditions investigated, peak aerial shell acceleration ranged from approximately 4 to 16 km/s2 (400 to 1600 times the acceleration due to gravity) and appeared to be mostly independent of nominal shell size. As a check on the acceleration results, the same mortar pressure data were used to calculate aerial shell muzzle velocities. These were found to be in close agreement with measured velocities.

Keywords: fireworks, aerial shell, acceleration, muzzle velocity, mortar pressure, pressure impulse


Ref: Selected Pyrotechnic Publication of K.L. and B.J Kosanke, Part 5, (1998-2000), pp 85-88
(K5_85)

© Journal of Pyrotechnics and CarnDu Ltd



Click link below to download article:

K05_085_mplw.pdf