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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 of hot liquid on the surface of the star to initiate the burning process.

Keywords: hot metal liquid, scanning electron microscopy, strobe star, strobe mode

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Abstract: A series of tests of various flash powders under weak confinement were conducted to determine the sound pressure levels and tonal quality produced. In these tests it was found that: the sound output from four common sources of potassium perchlorate are essentially equivalent; there are significant differences in the level of sound output as a result of using six different common aluminum powders; the addition of either of two common flow or bulking agents have essentially no effect on the sound produced; the substitution of potassium chlorate for potassium perchlorate in a common flash powder has essentially no effect on the sound produced; and the addition of antimony sulfide or sulfur reduces the duration of positive phase without increasing the level of the sound produced. In short it was found that nothing surpassed the level of sound produced by a 70:30 mixture of reasonably high quality potassium perchlorate and a high quality flake aluminum powder. This is significant because the use of potassium chlorate, antimony sulfide, and sulfur seriously increase the sensitivity to accidental ignition.

Keywords: salute blast pressure, flash powder, sound, weak confinement, sound pressure

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Abstract: A hazard evaluation has been carried out for the safety assessment of a new non-azide gas generant for automotive airbag inflators. The gas generant (UN) is composed of urazole (U) and a metal nitrate (MNO₃:N) with other additives included to provide the required performance. The impact, shock, friction, electric spark, hot object and heat sensitivities were determined by the appropriate tests. Propagations of detonation, deflagration and combustion were examined using the United Nations gap test and VP 30 tube test. A mixture of urazole with KClO₄ in a stoichiometric ratio propagated detonation as measured by the gap test and self-sustaining combustion as measured by the tube test. The mixture of urazole with KNO₃ propagated combustion, but no detonation.

Keywords: air-bag, gas generant, hazard evaluation, safety analysis, manufacturing safety, sensitiveness testing methods, urazole

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Abstract: In a fuel-air salute a fine metallic fuel is first dispersed into the surrounding air, then exploded. Such a salute is much safer than a conventional salute as the fuel-air salute must be surrounded by air to obtain the oxygen needed to function. It will not explode violently in bulk or in a mortar tube; even when fired while lying on the ground, its explosive power is greatly reduced. This preliminary paper summarizes progress achieved to date in fuel-air salute construction and suggests areas for future study.

Keywords: salute blast pressure, dust explosion, blast pressure, sound pressure, fuel-air salute

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Introduction: The fact that certain pyrotechnic compositions when pressed into a tube and ignited burn with a loud whistling noise has been known and used by firework manufacturers for many years. The two compositions most widely employed appear to be (a) a mixture of dry powdered potassium picrate and potassium nitrate in the proportions of about 60/40 and (b) a mixture of powdered gallic acid and potassium chlorate in the proportions 25/75. Whistling compositions have occasionally been used for military purposes. Thus in World War II the Germans had a whistling cartridge (pfeif-patrone) for signaling and the Canadians used a whistling thunderflash for training purposes. In October, 1943, the author was instructed to investigate in collaboration with the Admiralty the use of pyrotechnic whistles burning under water as a possible counter measure to the acoustic homing torpedo then being used by the Germans. As little was known about the factors influencing the intensity and frequency of the sound made by pyrotechnic whistles or their mode of action an investigation into this subject was made and is described in the present paper. A number of measurements were also made on pyrotechnic whistles burning under water, but as they are mainly of acoustical interest only, they will be dealt with very briefly.

Keywords: sound pressure, whistle, pyrotechnic measurements, pyrotechnic theory

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