R. I. Grose*, M. Cartwright and A. Bailey ABSTRACT: Data obtained from an analysis of an extinguished strobe star using the technique of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) is used to provide additional evidence for a previous model for the cyclic burning process seen in a white strobe star composition. The model relies on the generation …
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Month:February 2007
Review: Fire Protective Clothing: A Guide for Those Who Manufacture or Store Pyrotechnics or Propellants
Fire Protective Clothing EIG 1995 Review by John Bergman This relatively short publication (23 pages, including references) provides an enlightening look at protective clothing and the various materials— Though a substantial part of the content relates specifically to British and European standards and regulations which readers in other parts of the world may not find …
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Review: Butterworth’s Theatre of Fire
Theater of Fire Philip Butterworth Review by Monona Rossol As a safety expert, I fell in love with this book before I finished the introduction. Author Philip Butterworth introduces his subject with a discussion of the difference in safety-consciousness between the Middle Ages and today. This is appropriate if readers are to appreciate the boisterous …
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Bullet Impact Sensitivity Testing of Class B Fwks. Ingredients & Detonability Testing of Flash Powders
J. Edmund Hay Introduction: The Treasury Department’s Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (BATF) requested the Bureau of Mines to perform bullet impact sensitivity tests on a selection of class B (display) fireworks shells and some ingredients thereof (flash powder, “stars”), and also to establish that the flash powder used in salute shells is a …
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Introductory Chemistry for Pyrotechnists, Part 2: The Effects of Electrons
Wesley D. Smith ABSTRACT: This is the second in a series of tutorials that introduce the concepts of chemistry to practicing pyrotechnists. The behavior of electrons in atoms is given as the fundamental explanation for all pyrotechnic processes. The periodic arrangement of the elements in a table and their tendencies to unite in chemical bonds …
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Hazardous Chemical Combinations
Clive Jennings-White and Ken Kosanke ABSTRACT: All pyrotechnic compositions present some hazard due to their ability to produce energy. However, some compositions may pose an added hazard because of the combination of incompatible materials. The use of such compositions may result in more frequent accidental ignitions during processing or spontaneous ignitions during storage. Other compositions …
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Modern Rack and Mortar Designs for Professional Fireworks Displays
Marc A. Williams ABSTRACT: Professional fireworks displays, as well as those performed by volunteers, have for many years relied on equipment designs and techniques that were established before the turn of the century. The use of steel mortars, the hand firing of individual aerial shells and the use of wooden racks for chain firing of …
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The Semiconductor Bridge (SCB) Igniter
R. W. Bickes, Jr. and M. C. Grubelich ABSTRACT: We have developed a silicon semiconductor bridge (SCB) igniter which, when driven with a low-energy current pulse, produces a plasma discharge that ignites energetic materials. Our experiments have demonstrated that SCB explosive devices function in a few tens of microseconds at one-tenth the input energy of …
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Ammonium Perchlorate Composite Basics
Randall R. Sobczak ABSTRACT: This article addresses the theory and design of ammonium perchlorate/hydroxyl-terminated polybutadiene (AP/HTPB) composite propellant rocket motors. A discussion of the operating principles of solid motors, including motor dynamics, the combustion process of AP composite propellants, and basic nozzle theory is presented. Several grain geometries and thrust profiles are illustrated, and requirements …
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