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), and two took no clear position. A study of the references cited in these books establishes that the emitters are neutral monochlorides. The idea that they are MCl⁺ ions is traced to a book published in 1965, which cited only one reference (published in 1949), and that reference clearly stated that the emitters are neutral molecules.

Keywords: colored flame, emitter, spectra, monochloride, ion, neutral

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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 produce higher and larger fuel explosion effects, while using less fuel and explosive material, thereby creating a more controlled effect.

Keywords: high explosive, fuel explosion, special effects, directional shaped charge, Munroe effect, compression tube

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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 of its particle size, particle size distribution (PSD), morphology and oxide shell thickness. The quality of nano-aluminum at the commercial scale, however, rests upon several additional parameters that emphasize manufacturing effectiveness (production rate, process reproducibility, raw material utilization, lot size and scalability) as well as product quality (powder purity, surface properties and extent of agglomeration). Balancing the practical demands of a commercially viable process with the technical needs of specialized end users has been the challenge throughout the life of Technanogy Materials Development (TMD). Today TMD stands as a company focused on the manufacture and commercialization of nano-aluminum powder and able to assist others in developing nano-aluminum applications. The issues and insights related to the scale-up of this technology during the past three years are described. The properties of nano-aluminum powder that have motivated this scale-up are also discussed.

Keywords: nano-aluminum, nanoparticle, particle size distribution, passivation, oxide layer thickness, nanomaterial

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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, electronic transitions, color, molecular orbital theory

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GAT was found to react with N100, a common curative for HTPB. An alternative isocyanate curative was found, polyisocyanate (PAPI), with which it did not react. This polymer matrix was found to be suitable for GAT. The resulting fuel grains were difficult to cast due to the rapid polymerization of the HTPB/PAPI. Once grains were cast, they required no special care in storage or firing.

The fuel grains with the GAT additive were fired for 3-second runs with oxygen flows of 0.04, 0.06, 0.08, 0.10 and 0.12 lbm/s. The regression rate of each GAT concentration was computed and plotted vs. the oxidizer mass flux on a log/log scale. The resultant curve is fit to the equation, , and the quantities a and b were recorded for each curve.

GAT was found to increase the regression rate of HTPB when it was used as an additive. The resultant pressure and thrust from firing even the highest GAT concentrations at high oxygen flows still remained within safe operating parameters of the UALR hybrid rocket motor facility.

Keywords: GAT, guanidinium azo-tetrazolate, GZT, HTPB, hybrid rocket fuel, ground testing, regression rate

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Abstract: The investigation into an accident at Carmel, Western Australia in March 2002 found that the magnitude of explosions occurring in licensed and unlicensed storage areas was significantly greater than would have been expected from the UN hazard classification of items stored within them. Use of revised UN default classification tables for the items in storage, instead of the previous classification, goes towards accounting for the violence of the explosions. The official report into the accident makes a number of recommendations that are of direct international relevance, such as a minimum safety distance of 400 m (from residential housing or defined vulnerable facilities) for licensed UN Hazard Division 1.1 magazines regardless of mass of contents (above 50 kg minimum), removal of a concession that allows for the temporary storage of fireworks in unlicensed areas for up to 14 days prior to a display, the adoption of the UN default classification table throughout Western Australia and the importation of incorrectly classified fireworks to be made an offence.

Keywords: Carmel explosion, UN hazard classification, safety distance, unlicensed storage

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Abstract: The use of pyrotechnic compositions for the production of light has a long history. Most improvements were made mainly by trial and error with many misunderstandings about the cause and effect relationships from observations. Significant advancements in the mechanisms and theory of combustion have increased the understanding of many effects and led to improved illuminants both theoretically and practically. Radiative transfer theory explained most of the observed variations in illuminant functioning. Effects of spin, liner thickness and binders have been analyzed, and application of the results has been used to improve illuminant performance and solve production problems.

Keywords: illuminant, photoflash, efficiency, magnesium, sodium, nitrate, binder, radiative transfer

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Abstract: Electro explosive devices (EEDs) are often required to undergo a test in which they are placed near a high-power radio transmitter. The purpose is to see whether electromagnetic energy might fire the EED. Consideration of the "Q" or quality factor of an EED system affords guidance in choosing a transmitter and test procedure. This can lead to shorter, simpler tests, and to improved efficiency in electromagnetic-exposure tests of all kinds.

Keywords: bandwidth, EED, electro explosive device, EMC test, electro-magnetic compatibility test, HERO test, irradiation test, quality factor

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Abstract: A simple description of the construction and the physical principles governing the function of common electric matches and some implications of these principles for testing and firing them are presented.

Keywords: electric match, heat resistance, current, volt, pyrogen

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