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Abstract: Large quantities of a whole range of materials, including fireworks, are moved around the world in steel ISO containers. In recent years in the UK, manufacturers and retailers have used such containers to store fireworks. It has been long recognized that confinement can increase the hazard of energetic materials such as pyrotechnics and propellants. Recent incidents involving fireworks and large-scale fire engulfment trials on ISO containers filled with fireworks have raised concerns about the possible effects of confinement on the hazards presented by the more energetic fireworks. This paper presents information on one such fireworks incident in the UK and the action taken following this incident; together with a summary of the fire trials conducted to date by the UK's Health and Safety Executive (HSE) on packaged fireworks in ISO containers.

Keywords: fireworks storage, fire, explosion, hazard, explosive storage

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Abstract: A hazard assessment provides important information for determination of safe conditions for the manufacture, storage and transportation of pyrotechnics. Sensitivity to thermal stimuli is an important aspect of an overall hazard assessment. This paper describes a number of laboratory techniques that can be used to determine thermal properties of pyrotechnics and other energetic materials. The experimental methods and variable parameters of thermogravimetry (TG), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), accelerating rate calorimetry (ARC), heat flux calorimetry (HFC) and simultaneous TG/DTA (SDT, for 'simultaneous differential thermal analysis') are described, along with the information they provide. Experimental examples are provided in each case. All the techniques described are in use at the Canadian Explosives Research Laboratory. No single technique is without its limitations, and a combination of techniques, to provide complementary information, is often the best approach. Many of the methods employed are described in ASTM standards.

Keywords: thermal hazards, differential scanning calorimetry, DSC, thermogravimetry, TG, differential thermal analysis, DTA, accelerating rate calorimetry, ARC, heat flux calorimetry, HFC, simultaneous differential thermal analysis SDT

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Abstract: Black Powder has been around for centuries and has had a profound influence on the history of the world. Over this time, a considerable amount of knowledge has been gained about the chemistry of Black Powder. This knowledge not only sheds light on the chemistry of Black Powder but also on other pyrotechnic reactions. But our knowledge cannot be considered complete, in spite of all the research that has taken place. This article attempts to summarize the present knowledge about Black Powder's ignition and propagation chemistry. It describes what we know and also what we don't know in our understanding of Black Powder.

Keywords: Black Powder chemistry, ignition, propagation, Black Powder research

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Abstract: This brief article examines some aspects of noise and the effects of filters applied to data.

Keywords: signals, data acquisition, noise, data filter, digital filter, pyrotechnic, experimental design

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Abstract: There are times when the legal system requires so-called expert witnesses. Whether it is with regard to terrorist or criminal activities or accidents, the expert is often confronted with explaining the dreaded term "detonation". The attempt to explain such a catastrophic event often brings about the use of similes. In this paper, the author will provide arguments to support the use of a modified Height-to-Detonation and other steel pipe tests to generate data that may be useful in differentiating explosive reactions, including detonation, within a pile of fireworks. Work continues in this vein and test results will be published in a future article.

Keywords: explosion, detonation, aerial shell, height to detonation output testing

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Abstract: A strain gauge thrust measurement system is described for rocket motor ground testing. The unit uses sigmoid beams to hold the rocket motor in place, with the strain gauges mounted on these beams. The theory and usage of strain gauges is briefly discussed, along with all circuit and other information necessary to build a similar system. The system was calibrated for the 50 lb thrust level and applied to the UALR Hybrid Rocket Facility. Its performance characteristics are discussed. The system was found suitable for continuous monitoring in such a ground testing environment, and indicated that the hybrid thruster utilized in the facility develops 41 lbf thrust at an oxidant mass flow of 0.125 lbm.

Keywords: rocket ground testing, thrust sensor, combustion diagnostics, strain gauge, hybrid rocket

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Abstract: Fireworks star shells occasionally explode upon firing while they are still inside the mortar. Most often, this occurs with approximately the same level of violence as when the shell explodes after having left the mortar, and often even relatively weak mortars survive the experience intact. While unnerving to the firing crew, this represents relatively little hazard for crew or spectators. However, on rare occasion, the in-mortar star shell explosion achieves a level of violence substantially greater than normal. These more powerful explosions represent a potentially life-threatening hazard for both the firing crew and spectators. Unfortunately, the cause for these more violent explosions has not been established, and without knowing the cause, little can be done to prevent them from happening. In this article, two hypotheses are suggested as possible explanations for these dangerous malfunctions. Basic information and some empirical evidence are presented in support of two potential theories.

Keywords: aerial shell explosion, aerial shell malfunction, in-mortar explosion, flowerpot, star-shell-detonation, VIME

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