Reaction propagation between fireworks shells and compositions confined in steel pipes

E. Contestabile and B. von Rosen

Abstract: This study presents the experimental results on the ignition of linear arrays of fi reworks articles and bulk stars and describes their propensity to mass explode. Star and report shells, roman candles, and bulk cylindrical and spherical stars were functioned in steel pipes through initiation with a small black powder charge or an explosives booster. Continuous velocity of detonation probes was used to monitor the rate of reaction among the pyrotechnic components and the resultant fragmentation of the steel pipe was used to rate the violence of the reaction. All pipes fragmented and the measured reaction rate ranged from 170 to 870 m s−1. Based on fragmentation, the violence of reaction increased from the star shells, to the roman candles, to the report shells, and then to the bulk stars.

Keywords: explosion, steel, mortars, fragments, reports

Ref: JPyro, Issue 22, 2005, pp16-27
(J22_16)

Avril