Category:Original articles

R. B. Lowry ABSTRACT: The Linear Combination of Atomic Orbitals (LCAO) model is presented as it applies to small heterogeneous molecules. A non-mathematical approach is used to enable the discussion of the terminology used. The production of light and the rules that govern it are examined. Keywords: linear combination of atomic orbitals, LCAO, energy level, …
Continue reading Essential Molecular Orbital Theory for the Study of Pyrotechnics

David Pesiri, Christopher E. Aumann, Luke Bilger, David Booth, R. Doug Carpenter, Rob Dye, Edward O’Neill, Debbie Shelton, and Kevin C. Walter ABSTRACT: Producing nano-aluminum powder (n-Al) on a commercial scale places a great deal of emphasis on practical manufacturing issues. Scientists and engineers in the laboratory commonly evaluate nano-aluminum powder in the technical terms …
Continue reading Industrial Scale Nano-Aluminum Powder Manufacturing

Stephen Miller ABSTRACT: A number of ‘brute force’ techniques used within the special effects industry utilise high explosives to create the classic ‘Hollywood’ style fuel explosion seen in many a movie and television programme. Limited experiments have shown that application of techniques similar to those used in shaped charge anti-tank weapons (the Munroe effect) can …
Continue reading Experimenting with High Explosive Fuel Explosions for Movies and Television

L. Weinman Keywords: hoop stress, mortar, strength, rocket casing ——————————————————————————– Ref: JPyro, Issue 20, 2004, pp71-72 (J20_71)

Barry Sturman ABSTRACT: Twelve English-language books on pyrotechnics were surveyed for the authors’ views on the nature of the metal monochlorides that are associated with the emission of colored light in pyrotechnic flames. Three of the ten authors stated that the emitters were metal chloride ions (MCl+), five that they were neutral metal chloride molecules (MCl), …
Continue reading Metal Monochloride Emitters in Pyrotechnic Flames — Ions or Neutrals?

E. Contestabile, R. Guilbeault, D. Wilson, and B. von Rosen ABSTRACT: Initiation of fireworks articles, as by a fire, can result in communication to adjacent articles and at times transition to a mass explosion. Such an event can be catastrophic. In a quest to discover the process by which this transition occurs and thereby work …
Continue reading Fireworks Shells Subjected To a Modified Height-To-Detonation Test

Andrew Fischer ABSTRACT: The author’s development of an alternative design for a fireworks mortar coincided with the restructure of regulations concerning display fireworks in the State of Queensland, Australia. This new Code of Practice for the Display of Outdoor Fireworks has a requirement for manufacturers of equipment to develop performancebased tests that will prove the …
Continue reading A Practical Performance Testing Protocol for Fireworks Mortar Tubes

Naminosuke Kubota ABSTRACT: A number of parameters are needed to design a rocket motor to satisfy the specified flight trajectory of its payload. The major components of a rocket motor are propellant grain, motor case and its insulation, nozzle, and igniter. One of the key parameters is the burn rate characteristic of the propellant grain …
Continue reading Principles of Solid Rocket Motor Design

A. V. Belyakov, A. I. Khatsrinov, G. S. Baturova, L. A. Kiprova, E. N. Panferova ABSTRACT: As a result of studies performed, the burn rate and characteristics of the special effect of sparking compositions are established. A method of determining the spark characteristics by photographic method is tested. The results from improvement in the formulation …
Continue reading Sparking Compositions for Garden Fireworks

Barry Sturman As pointed out in the subject paper several writers have erroneously attributed the molecular band spectra that produce the characteristic colours of flames containing various metals M, (M = Ca, Sr, Ba or Cu) and Cl to the singlycharged ions MCl+. Ref: JPyro, Issue 21, 2005, pp71-72 (J21_71)