Development of a Video Spectrometer
K. L. and B. J. Kosanke
ABSTRACT: A simple, low-cost visible light spectrometer, consisting primarily of a video camcorder and an inexpensive diffraction grating, was assembled and found to be of use in work to improve colored pyrotechnic flames. This instrument is all that is needed to collect and store useful, qualitative flame color information. With this simple instrument, the nature of color agents and the sources of interfering chemical species can be determined.
If semi-quantitative data is needed, a video frame grabber and personal computer can be employed. These allow more accurate identification of wavelengths of spectral features (lines and bands). It also makes possible the determination of relative intensities of spectral features. If quantitative intensity data is needed, a suitable calibration source is necessary and calibration corrections must be applied to the intensity data.
In a brief study using the video spectrometer, it has become clear that much of the difficulty in achieving high quality green and blue colored flames is often the result of impurities present in the raw chemicals. Specifically, the presence of sodium and calcium can act significantly to shift green flame colors toward yellow and blue flame colors toward white.
Keywords: spectroscopy, flame color, video
Ref: Selected Pyrotechnic Publication of K.L. and B.J Kosanke, Part 5, (1998-2000), pp 1-12
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Measurements of Glitter Flash Delay, Size and Duration
K. L. Kosanke, B. J. Kosanke & C. Jennings-White
ABSTRACT: brief series of measurements were made on the flashes produced by a simple glitter formulation. In part this was done as a test of one theory for the chemistry of glitter. However, this was also done to produce some intrinsically interesting data that have not been previously reported. It was observed that both increasing the percentage of aluminum in the formulation and decreasing the particle size of the aluminum, decreased the delay time before the appearance of the glitter flashes. Both the size and duration of glitter flashes increased for flashes with greater delay. It was also observed that there was a rapid increase in temperature just prior to the onset of the flash event.
Ref: Selected Pyrotechnic Publication of K.L. and B.J Kosanke, Part 5, (1998-2000), pp 13-17
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Lift Charge Loss for a Shell to Remain in Mortar
K. L. Kosanke
I recently needed an estimate of the amount of lift powder that would have to be missing from a spherical aerial shell, for it to remain in its mortar upon firing. Since that apparently has never been reported in the literature and because it was easy to determine, a brief study was conducted to discover this. Although there is little reason for the typical pyrotechnist to need the answer to this question, nonetheless it is a somewhat interesting number; thus, the motivation for this short article.
Ref: Selected Pyrotechnic Publication of K.L. and B.J Kosanke, Part 5, (1998-2000), pp 18-18
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Configuration and “Over-Load” Studies of Concussion Mortars
K. L. and B. J. Kosanke and Larry Weinman*
ABSTRACT: Although concussion mortars have been used for many years at band concerts and in theatrical performances, there has been relatively little investigation of the effectiveness of their basic design. Measurements of the effect of two modifications of the design of concussion mortars indicate that significant improvements in their performance were achieved; however, only for light powder loads. Though somewhat disappointing, these designs may be of use in situations where increased loudness of report is needed without an increase in smoke production. Measurements were also made of the effect of loading materials (whether inert, a fuel, or an oxidizer) on top of a commonly used concussion powder. It was found that all of these produced increased sound output. However, this seemed to be mostly the result of added confinement of the concussion powder.
Ref: Selected Pyrotechnic Publication of K.L. and B.J Kosanke, Part 5, (1998-2000), pp 19-32
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Quick Match — A Review and Study
K. L. and B. J. Kosanke
ABSTRACT: Several factors affect the burning of quick match. A brief study was conducted to determine the general magnitude of the effects produced by those factors, singly and in combination. For high quality quick match, under the conditions of these tests, it was determined that tight string ties, damage to the Black Powder coating and exposure to high humidity had the potential to slow the burning of quick match. However, no single performance risk factor was observed to be sufficient to produce either a significant hang fire or a failure of the quick match to propagate. To the contrary, however, typically a synergistic effect was produced by combinations of risk factors. For example, combinations of two risk factors produced short hang fires, and combinations of all three risk factors produced occasional misfires.
An examination of the extent to which moisture is gained by the materials used to make quick match suggested that the use of synthetic (plastic) string could significantly reduce moisture adsorption. This should reduce the degradation of the performance of quick match that has been exposed to high humidity. Also long duration hangfires could possibly be eliminated because this string does not tend to smolder like cotton string. Finally, there was a brief examination of the time taken for the strings in black match to lose their strength after the flame front had passed. It was found that it may occasionally be possible for one shell firing in a chain to pull apart the fusing of the next shell in the series.
Ref: Selected Pyrotechnic Publication of K.L. and B.J Kosanke, Part 5, (1998-2000), pp 33-50
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Pyrotechnic Primes and Priming
K. L. and B. J. Kosanke
ABSTRACT: If a pyrotechnic item fails to ignite when intended, it is a failure. It makes no difference that had it ignited; it would have produced a spectacular display or a life-saving distress signal. Primes and priming techniques are important in producing high quality pyrotechnic effects, because it is through their use that reliable ignition can be achieved.
In this review article, after presenting some basic information, propagation energy diagrams are explained and used to discuss the role and manner of functioning of pyrotechnic primes. In the course of the discussion, a number of ignition and propagation problems will be investigated and solutions demonstrated. The article concludes with a discussion of some basic prime formulations and methods for their application.
Ref: Selected Pyrotechnic Publication of K.L. and B.J Kosanke, Part 5, (1998-2000), pp 51-66
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