Pyrotechnics, ignition train used

Ignition Compositions for Use With Pyrotechnics. This subject was treated in considerable detail in Vol 4 under Detonator, Igniters and Primers, Sect 3, Part B Ignition Train Used in Pyrotechnics, pp D759-768, with the following additional reference ... 

Since some pyrotechnic compositions are relatively difficult to ignite, an "ignition train similar to that used for igniting BkPdr or smokeless propellants is used to initiate the main pyrotechn ic charge... 

Burning Train or Igniter Train, Step-by-step arrangement of charges in pyrotechnic items by which initial fire from the primer is transmitted and intensified until it reaches and sets off the burster charge. Explosive ammunition uses a similar series, called explosive train... 

Since percussion primers are used for initiation of explosives as well as ignition of propellants in small guns and gas cartridges, and also for purely pyrotechnical initiation such as of pressed delay trains and section charges, the formulations vary with the purpose, though some formulas are said to be equally applicable to detonation or ignition. In other cases, low-violence and low-gas formation are claimed to make the primer especially useful for pyrotechnic ignition. 

Primers are used for the ignition of propellants and pyrotechnics. They are categorized as percussion primers, used mainly for the ignition of propellants, and stab primers, used in explosive trains of fuses and electric primers. 

Some of these uses are served by discrete units, such as fire starters, fuse trains, and heat cartridges, but the fire transfer systems of pyrotechnic items are generally integral components of a flare, smoke candle, etc., and are formulated and adapted to the specific function of bringing the main item to self-sustaining reaction after having been initiated themselves by a prime ignition system or a fire transfer line. 

Fuse A train of pyrotechnic composition (usually black powder), often covered with twine, thread, or twisted paper, as well as waterproofing material. Fuses are lit by a safety match or other hot object, and provide a time delay to permit the person igniting the device to retreat to a safe distance. This term should not be confused with fuze, which is a device used to initiate a military explosive device such as a bomb. 

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