PYROTECHNIC PRINCIPLES

A number of parameters related to burning behavior can be experimentally measured and used to report the reactivity or performance of a particular high-energy mixture  

The actual atmosphere used for a heat of reaction experiment can play a critical role in determining the amount of heat that is produced and measured. If the ambient gas contains oxygen or nitrogen, reaction of fuels in the mixture may occur with the atmospheric gases present in the 

Source F. L. McIntyre, A Compilation of Hazard and Test Data for Pyrotechnic Compositions Report AD-E400-496, U.S. Army Armmnent Research Mid Development Command, 

As a general rule of thumb, a reaction that generates a heat of reaction of 

1 kcal/gram or greater is significantly exothermic, while a value exceeding 

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Pyrotechnics is based on the estabflshed principles of thermochemistry and the more general science of thermodynamics. There has been Httle work done on the kinetics of pyrotechnic reactions, largely due to the numerous chemical and nonchemical factors that affect the bum rate of a pyrotechnic mixture. Information on the fundamentals of pyrotechnics have been pubflshed in Russian (1) and English (2—6). Thermochemical data that ate useful in determining the energy outputs anticipated from pyrotechnic mixtures are contained in general chemical handbooks and more specialized pubHcations (7-9). 

EngrDesHndbk, Military Pyrotechnics Series, Part Three, Properties of Materials Used in Pyrotechnic Compositions , AMCP 706-187 (1963) 6) Ellem (1968), 136ff 7) R. Lancaster, T. Shimizu, R.E.A. Butler R.G. Hall, Fireworks, Principles and Practice , Chemical Publishing Co, NY (1972), 49... 

The principle small arms application of military pyrotechnics is in tracer munitions, where they serve as incendiaries, spotters and as fire control. A thorough review of tracer munition design was prepared by Frankford Arsenal (Ref 33) ... 

Chemistry of Pyrotechnics, Basic Principles and Theory , John A. Conkling... 

Kubota, N., Principles of Solid Rocket Motor Design, Pyrotechnics Chemistry, J. of Pyrotechnics, Inc., Whitewater, CO (2004), Chapter 12. 

A.A. Shidlovskiy, Principles of Pyrotechnics, Mashinostroyeniye Press, Moscow, 1964. 

Of all the improvised explosives the author has made, HMTD probably has the simplest preparation. It requires three basic ingredients hexamethylene tetramine (hexamine), citric acid, and hydrogen peroxide. Hexamine is a common fuel used in the pyrotechnic industry and can be purchased from numerous chemical supply houses. It is also the principle ingredient used by many camping stoves and can be purchased in tablet form for this purpose. Citric acid is a common flavorant additive and can be purchased from many drugstores. Aqueous hydrogen peroxide availability was discussed earlier. 

To gain an understanding of how these beautiful effects are produced, we will begin with a review of some basic chemical principles and then proceed to discuss various pyrotechnic systems. 

A. A. Shidlovskiy, Principles of Pyrotechnics, 3rd Edition, Moscow, 1964. (Translated as Report FTD-HC-23-1704-74 by Foreign Technology Division, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, 1974.)... 

Shidlovskiy, A.A. (1964) Principles of Pyrotechnics, Pt.I and Pt.II, 3rd edn, Government Publication of the Defence Industry, Mashinostroyeniye Press, Moscow, Russia, (Translated by US Joint Publication Research Service as Technical Memo. 1615, May 1965). 

Conkling, J.A. (1985) Chemistry of Pyrotechnics Basic Principles and Theory, Marcel Dekker, Inc., New York, USA. 

This book outlines the basic principles needed to understand the mechanism of explosions by chemical explosives. The history, theory and chemical types of explosives are introduced, providing the reader with information on the physical parameters of primary and secondary explosives. Thermodynamics, enthalpy, free energy and gas equations are covered together with examples of calculations, leading to the power and temperature of explosions. A very brief introduction to propellants and pyrotechnics is given, more information on these types of explosives should be found from other sources. This second edition introduces the subject of Insensitive Munitions (IM) and the concept of explosive waste recovery. Developments in explosive crystals and formulations have also been updated. This book is aimed primarily at A level students and new graduates who have not previously studied explosive materials, but it should prove useful to others as well. I hope that the more experienced chemist in the explosives industry looking for concise information on the subject will also find this book useful. 

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