Pyrotechnic installations

Proper safety testing and classification of pyrotechnic energetic capacity will allow the selection of appropriate, remotely operated, cormerciaily available equipment. This equipment can be installed in less costly structures and plant sites for the manufacture of pyrotechnic materials in a safe and economical manner. 

In order to make the Encyclopedia ascompactas possible we used abbreviations, many of which are the same as used in Chemical Abstracts except that periods after abbreviations are omitted. A list of abbreviations symbols, code letters and special designations of items connected with explosives, propellants, pyrotechnics, ammunition and weapons is included in this work. This list is placed immediately before the Encyclopedia proper (see Abbreviations, pp Abbr 1-59) and also includes abbreviations and code letters for various Ordnance establishments, industrial installations and scientific institutions, both US and foreign. Some additional abbreviations are given in a supplementary list (see Abbreviations, pp Abbr 59-65). Wherever we have been able to do so and are permitted by security regulations, the meaning of code letters on ammunition, weapons and other military items is briefly explained... 

The nature of the chemicals involved in high-powered flare compositions and the large amounts processed at one time and used in one flare candle create specific hazards, which have been assessed only after grievous experiences. Unfortunately, such experience is rarely shared, analyzed, and critically evaluated, but rather obscured by the pyrotechnic fraternity, a shining exception being the specifically applicable report of a fatal accident at a Naval installation. ... 

The following abbreviations are given as an aid in identifying letter combinations and acronyms pertaining to Government installations that have some connection with pyrotechnics and a few related terms appearing in the text and references. 

Percussion primers are pyrotechnic devices that are activated by impact from a mechanical striking device. Typically, a primer is activated by an impact of 2016 to 2880 g-cm applied with a 0.6 to 1.1 mm spherical radius firing pin. Primers are installed in primer holders that are integral parts of the battery enclosure. 

Optical energy (laser) activation of thermal batteries is accomplished by firing a laser beam through an optical window installed in the outer enclosure of the battery and igniting a suitable pyrotechnic material inside the unit. This method has found utility in applications where severe electromagnetic interference would be disruptive to an electrical firing method. 

In September the first chemists arrived. The laboratories were not finished, there was no heat, and there was insufficient equipment. Yet, there were so many problems awaiting solution that chemists set up their apparatus on improvised benches while carpenters installed hoods and desks, plumbers laid gas and water lines, and electricians wired sockets. Shortly after the research center at American University opened, Manning organized it into eight sections Chemical Research, Physiological Research, Pyrotechnic Research, Chemical Manufacture, Mechanical Research, Submarine Gases, Dirigible and Balloon Gas, and Gas Mask Examination. ... 

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