K. L. and B. J. Kosanke
A series of experiments are being conducted to more definitively establish the difference between the causes of so-called flowerpots[1] andmuzzle breaks.[2] Testing was performed to document the effect of firing small firework aerial shells after having intentionally provided fire leaks into those shells. The idea for this testing originated from a conversation that occurred during a break between paper presentations at the First International Symposium on Fireworks. At that time, the authors were engaged in research to determine the cause and mechanism of some types of aerial shell malfunctions. This work focused on the time taken for various size aerial shells to explode after the ignition of their contents and the time for those same size shells to exit a mortar after ignition of their lift charges. Based on this work, the authors had concluded that relatively minor fire leaks (through small holes and cracks) would be expected to preferentially produce muzzle breaks rather than flowerpots and that flowerpots must be the result of more substantial fire leaks into the shells.[4] Part of the reason for the conversation was to solicit input regarding the authors’ work from two persons highly knowledgeable in the manufacture of aerial shells.
Ref: Selected Pyrotechnic Publication of K.L. and B.J Kosanke, Part 7, (2003-2004), pp 79-84
(K7_84)
© Journal of Pyrotechnics and CarnDu Ltd
