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Black Powder
Discovery Of Gunpowder

Discovery of Gunpowder


The Chemical and ballistic Properties of Black Powder


A COURSE OF INSTRUCTION ORDNANCE AND GUNNERY; PREPARED POR THE USE OP THE C A D E T S OB THE UNITED STATES MILITARY ACADEMY,

A COURSE OF INSTRUCTION ORDNANCE AND GUNNERY; PREPARED POR THE USE OP THE C A D E T S OB THE UNITED STATES MILITARY ACADEMY,

 

FIELD EXPEDIENT PREPARATION OF BLACK POWDERS
FIELD EXPEDIENT PREPARATION OF BLACK POWDERS

The Influence of Physical Properties On Black Powder
The Influence of Physical Properties On Black Powder

Greek Fire and Black Powder
Greek Fire and Black Powder
From earliest times, incendiary substances have been used in warfare, whether on the tips of flaming arrows, on the projectiles of catapults or ballistae, or the flaming oils, tar, or pitch poured down on attackers from the walls of besieged cities. The invention called Greek Fire appears to have consisted of the addition of saltpeter (potassium nitrate) to the combustible mixtures already in use, providing the fuel with its own oxygen supply (i.e., that provided by the pyrolytic decomposition of the oxidizer) so that it could burn in confinement, even under water, and produced flames that were virtually impossible to extinguish. According to the Byzantine historian, Theophanes the Confessor, Greek Fire was invented around A.D. 670 or 672 in the reign of Constantine IV (surnamed Pogonatus, “the Bearded”) by the Greek-speaking Syrian-born engineer,

How to Make Black Powder
How to Make Black Powder
Black Powder, also known as Gunpowder, is an explosive that has been around, literally, for centuries. The exact origins of the formula are lost in time, but it is known that the Chinese used Black Powder in weaponry at least 1,000 years ago. Technically, Black Powder burns by a process known as deflagration. This differs from detonation in that Black Powder produces subsonic shock waves, as opposed to the supersonic shock waves produced by explosives such as Dynamite, C-4 or TNT. This means that Black Powder is better suited as a propellant (such as in fireworks, bullets and cannons) than blasting (such as in construction or demolition).

A Comprehensive Review of Black Powder

A Comprehensive Review of Black Powder


THE INITIATION, BURNING AND THERMAL DECOMPOSITION
THE INITIATION, BURNING AND THERMAL DECOMPOSITION
GUNPOWDER

By J. D. BLACKWOOD AND F. P. BOWDEN, F.R.S.
Research Laboratory for the Physics and Chemistry of Surfaces,
Department of Physical Chemistry, University of Cambridge
Pages 26
1952


The Manufacture of Explosives A Theoretical and Practical Treatise on the History, The Physical andChemical Properties, and the Manufacture of Explosives

Oscar Guttmann, Assoc. M. Inst. C.E., F.I.C. MacMillan And Co. New York
Pages 12
1895


 
Do it Your Self Gun Powder Cookbook

By Don Mclean
1992


SKETCH OF THE MODE MANUFACTURING GUNPOWDER
SKETCH OF THE MODE or MANUFACTURING GUNPOWDER

COL. WILLIAM ANDERSON, C.B.


A_Treatise_on_Gun_Powder
A_Treatise_on_Gun_Powder

L I T T L E apology is necessary for giving the public in an english drafts, the three following treaties, written originally in Italian by ' M. D'Antoni ; who, from his extensive knowledge and voluminous publications, ranks high among the military writers of the present age, The object immediately proposed by the author in these and his other works, is the instruction of the young officer6 of artillery and engineers; and the students in the military academies, over which he presides.


The WiZard’s Great Book of Absoundite and Forbidden Pyrotechnic Knowledge
The WiZard’s Great Book of Absoundite and Forbidden Pyrotechnic Knowledge.
FORCE OF GUNPOWDER. Although theory is not capable of estimating the force, or what is the same thing, the quantity of powder necessary to produce a certain effect, long experience has established the relative quantities of powder which are necessary under different circumstances, with sufficient accuracy for all practical purposes. These different circumstances are always of the same kind with reference to the artillery, where the range is the only thing that varies; whilst in blasting they are very various, loose earth has frequently to be blown up and at other times, solid rock; sometimes, the object is to destroy and hurl the fragments to a distance, and at others to get rid of them in a manner as little dangerous as possible, as for instance, in cases of civil engineering. For the latter purposes, the use of powder has very much increased since the introduction of railroads has given. occasion to so many excavations, and since the
Pages: 111

 
Flash Powder

 
The Complete Book of Flash Powder
By Paul Moran
Pages: 48

 

Pyrotechnic Aticles

cutbush
JAMES CUTBUSH AN AMERICAN CHEMIST
1788-1823
There is nothing thrilling in the following pages. They contain the story of the life-work of a very modest man deeply interested in and enamored of the science of chemistry, who sought also to inspire others and to familiarize the general public of his time with the intimate connection of chemistry with manufactures and things which enter so largely into every-day occupations. He was an active member of a small group of chemists who, in the early years of eighteen hundred, caused thousands of the laity to give thought to the possibilities of Chemistry, and in addition was a pioneer in pyrotechnics, on which account he is deservedly entitled to every recognition. More than a century has passed since his most serious efforts were put forth. However, it will not be long until that early galaxy of chemical enthusiasts of which he was a member will be accorded a high place in the history of the development of the science in America.

machine_fireworks
A Description of the Machine for the Fireworks
THE MACHINE is fituated 100 Feet from his MAJESTY'~ Library, and repre~ents a: magnificent Dorte Temple, from whIch extend two Wings ternlinated by Pavillons, as may particularly be feen by an accurate Plan and Elevation, publilhed by the Confent f)f his Grace the Maller General and the Right Honourable and Hono~rable the Principal Officers of his Majefl:y's Ordnance. Th.is Machine is 11+ Feethigh to the Top of his MAJESTY'S Arms, and is +10 Feet long. It was ~nve~ ted and ddigned by the ChevalierSerfJfJ1IJo!,i, a.Qd all die Framing was performed by Mr. James.Morris, Mafter Carpenter to the Office of Ordnance: The 0 RNAMEN T S of this Machine are all in Relief, and it is adorned with Frets, Gilding, Lufl:res, Artificial Flowers, Infcriptions, Statues, 41legorical Pictures

 

DEVELOPMENT AND APPLIUCATIONS OF ULTRAFINE
ALUMINIUM POWDERS

Over the last twenty years or so, a variety of new technologies has been developed to produce sub-micron powders. Among the products attracting interest is nanoaluminium which is being evaluated in specialist propulsion and exothermic end-uses. This paper examines the adva nces made in ‘nanopowder’ production in the context of the existing aluminium powder industry where finest commercial grades have a median size of ~6μm (one or two orders of magnitude coarser than nanopowders) and which today supplies the markets being targeted by nanopowders with coarser, but effective products. Are there genuine market opportunities for nanoaluminium and if so, how will they be produced? One the one hand there are the novel nanopowder production methods which are high yielding but generally slow and costly, while on the other, there is the very fine fraction from conventional atomising routes which generate a very low yield of sub-micron powder but which nevertheless can translate into a meaningful rate as part of the bulk production.
Pages: 11

CHLORATES AND PERCHLORATES
CHLORATES AND PERCHLORATES
Amazingly, chlorates and per chlorates can be produced through a simple electrochemical process from simples salts. Sodium Chloride (table salt) and Potassium chloride (another type of salt found on eBay) are the two most common. The salts are dissolved in boiling hot water until no more salt will dissolve. It is cooled and passed through a cloth filter to remove any un-dissolved salt. The remaining liquid is called a saturated solution. It is then placed in a container and a small DC current is passed through it with an anode and cathode.

Pyrotechnic Chemicals
Pyrotechnic Chemicals
Pyrotechnic Chemicals Below are listed the most common chemicals used in modern day pyrotechnics, both consumer (1.4G) and display (1.3). Some of these, such as magnesium, are only used in display fireworks.
Pages 7
 
Pyrotechnic Chemistry
Scientific American July 1990
Scientific American July 1990
Scientific American July 1990

Firework_Chemistry
AN INTRODUCTION TO FIREWORK CHEMISTRY
All fireworks are ‘explosive’ materials; they contain chemical compounds and substances which, when ignited, produce energy in the form of heat, light and sound. These qualities enable fireworks to entertain visually with both colour and movement. Although fireworks are classed as explosives, they are not ‘high explosives’ (which would refer to dynamite, for example). Fireworks produce combustion energy in a relatively slow and controlled way – think about ‘fountains’ or ‘catherine wheels’ which burn at quite a gentle pace. Other types of fireworks burn very quickly; ‘star shells’ – which produce the large chrysanthemum bursts in the sky, do seem to explode and their energy is released rapidly. The performance of the different types of fireworks depends on the underlying chemistry and how they are manufactured.
Pages: 3

The Natural Scientific Thinking- and Working
The Natural Scientific Thinking- and Working
Procedure in (amateur) Pyrotechnics

This text has been translated by R. Webb and R. Pützfeld. The article originally appeared in the newsletter of the Dutch Pyrotechnic Association of St. Barbara "In m'n sas, Nr.19". It has been revised during translation and after proof-reading. The author has an educational background as a former chemistry teacher in the Netherlands.
By By R. Pützfeld
Pages: 10


Military Pyrotechnics
Military Pyrotechnics
This paper is a general review about military pyrotechnics. The expression ‘pyrotechnics ’ comes from the Greek words ‘pyros’ and ‘techne’ [1]: PYROS → Fire, heat TECHNE → Art Pyrotechnics is one of three closely related subjects: high explosives, propellants and pyrotechnics itself. These three subjects not only have a common physicochemical background, their functions and purposes also overlap. An excellent representative for this statement is black powder. In their typical manifestations, explosives perform at the highest reaction speed, leaving gaseous products. Propellants produce gas at a moderate rate and pyrotechnic com- positions react mostly at visibly observable rates, producing solid and

Abstract: Phenomena such as varied light emissions, sound, burning rates, heats of reaction and reaction products occur during inorganic redox reactions. The peculiarity of these redox reactions is that they take place as solid–solid, solid–liquid or solid–gas state reactions and not as redox reactions in a solvent as normally postulated in inorganic chemistry. By variation of different parameters such as the reducing agent, the oxidizer, the oxygen balance or the particle size, it is possible to create a wide range of the above-mentioned effects.
Pages 6

The Chemistry of Pyrotechnics
The Chemistry of Pyrotechnics

Pyrotechnics use a variety of chemistry concepts, which produce different effects of sound and color. Although fireworks are pyrotechnics, not all pyrotechnics are fireworks. Pyrotechnics include any effect that uses rapid oxidization to produce an effect of light or sound. This excludes almost all high explosives except for a very few used in pyrotechnics such as picric acid. Thermite reactions and decomposition of ammonium dichromate2 are never used in commercial fireworks but they can be pyrotechnic displays. An important part of pyrotechnics to the amateur is synthesis of different chemicals to be used in certain reactions. Often chemicals cannot be acquired for reasonable prices, so the chemicals are manufactured at a home lab. There are a wide variety of chemistry principals that apply to pyrotechnics and making different chemicals for pyrotechnic use. These include the use of the periodic table and of course the elements,polyatomic ions and compounds, ionic, molecular compounds, hydrocarbons, synthetic substances, and sometimes balancing equations. They also include synthesis and decomposition reactions, double and single displacement reactions, controlling rates of reactions, endothermic and exothermic reactions, acids and bases, and element oxides. Of course combustion is a central part of pyrotechnics and is dealt with throughout the other topics instead of being given its own section.
By Sparky
Pages 8



Gun Powder Firework Pyrotechnics

Pyrotechnic History
The History Of Firework in India 1400 - 1900 A.D.
The History Of Firework in India 1400 - 1900 A.D.
Pages: 32

HISTORY OF THE FIREWORKS INDUSTRY IN INDIA
HISTORY OF THE FIREWORKS INDUSTRY IN INDIA
Mr.A.Chelladurai (photo), general director of Standard Fireworks Ltd., India passed away on 15th August 2001. He was a noted pyrotechnist who contributed much to the Indian fireworks industry for more than 50 years. Mr.Chelladhurai contributed two articles to the EPAN, both depicting the Indian fireworks culture. As a tribute to Mr. Chelladhurai and the Indian firework industry- and culture.
Pages: 4

THE HISTORY OF ROCKETRY IN INDIA
THE HISTORY OF ROCKETRY IN INDIA
In the development of gunpowder is found the germinal seed of modern warfare and rocketry. Common belief is that the invention of gunpowder had its genesis in Asia - probably China or India. Several claims have been put forward for an Indian priority; however, the actual origins of rockets in India are surrounded in obscurity and even in myth.

Of all the great technological marvels of the modern world, rockets are perhaps the most exciting. The rocket made possible the modern moon landings, various space probes and pictures from space; in short, the whole space age, and yet it is mostly an Asian invention.
Pages: 2

A Brief History of Fireworks in Britain
A Brief History of Fireworks in Britain
Britain has a long and proud fireworks tradition. Although many of us associate fireworks with ‘Guy Fawkes’ night on 5th November, historically they have been used for all manner of celebrations. The earliest record of a major fireworks display in England was that presented to Queen Elizabeth I at Warwick Castle in 1572. The Monarch was evidently impressed by what she saw and more displays resulted, including two shows at Kenilworth

Castle to celebrate her visit in 1575. These displays were a far cry from the kind of fireworks we see today and much less spectacular than the display staged for our present Queen to celebrate the Golden Jubilee.
By Chris Pearce
Pages 2


 

 
Pyrotechnic Manuals (Early)
The Art Of Pyrotechney
The Art_of Pyrotechny

By W.H. Brown
Pages: 151
1829


A Complete System of Pyrotechny or The Art of Making Fire Works
A Complete System of Pyrotechny or The Art of Making Fire Works

Pages: 23
1829


The Making Of Rockets in Two Parts
The Making Of Rockets in Two Parts

Pages: 33


Fireworks like Granddad used to make
Fireworks like Granddad used to make
by Kurt Saxon
pages 55

The Second Brooke Teaching most Plainly, and with all most exactly, the compounding of all manner of fire-works for triumph and recreation

The Second Brooke Teaching most Plainly, and with all most exactly, the compounding of all manner of fire-works for triumph and recreation

Pages 51

Cutbush_a_System_of_Pyrotechny

A System of_Pyrotechny Comprhending the Theory of Practice with the Application of Chemistry

Cutbush

Pyrotechnic Manuals & Books 1900-2007
Pyrotechnics
Pyrotechnics
BY GEORGE WASHINGTON WEINGART
Pages: 247
1947

Weingart_Dictionary_and_Manual_of_Fireworks_with_color_plates

Dictionary of pyrotechnics: A complete manual covering the authors work and experiments from 1980 to 1930

A complete manual covering the authors work and experiments from 1980 to 1930 There have been writings on the subject as early as the year 1225 and the firs-t authentic manual seems to be in German, written in 1432 but these are mainly museum curiosities. Since 1893 some historical and specialized articles have appeared in connection with pyrotechny but nothing of a general or comprehensive character in the way of a working manual. In the interim great Arides have been made, both in the materials used as well as in the methods employed in the mass production of articles in general use for public celebrations. Powdered aluminum has added many beautiful effects; picric acid is extensively used and potassium perchlorate has greatly reduced the danger from spontaneous combustion. Phosphorus, both yellow and amorphous is largely used and machines to replace manual operations have been devised in many instances. The formulars herein given are all taken from those in actual use and will positively produce the effects for which they are indicated. The machines and tools shown are those in use
pages: 170
BY GEORGE WASHINGTON WEINGART


Military and Civilian
Military and Civilian Pyrotechnics Modern Pyrotechnics (1961) was the first pyrotechnic primer and
collection of up-to-date information in the English language—written
mainly in order to help the newcomer to the field of military pyrotechnics.
Judging from the many comments I have received, it served this
purpose well.
This book retains the basic approach and framework of my first
book. The subject matter has been greatly enlarged as indicated by the
increase in the number of formulas from 91 to 201, the addition of
numerous tables, and a near-doubling of the references—from 354 to
about 700. The subjects treated in the first book are presented in greater
detail and, of course, with addition of new information from the years
1961 to 1966. Some of the subjects that formerly were under security
restrictions—now lifted or relaxed—could be added, though not all in
full detail. A special effort was made to enlarge on the commercial,
DR. HERBERT ELLERN
Pages: 455
1968

Impact Firecracker
Impact Firecrackers
By John Donner
Pages 33
1996
Pyrotechnic Miscellaneous

CAREERS IN THE FIREWORKS INDUSTRY
CAREERS IN THE FIREWORKS INDUSTRY
Pages: 3

Nitrate_Based_Igniters
Nitrate_Based_Igniters
The reliability and performance of a solid composite rocket motor depends partially on the composition and design of the electrical igniter. Ignition Powder (KNO3/Charcoal) based igniters, referred to as IP igniters, continue to be used successfully in potassium nitrate/sucrose (and other sugar-based) motors because they are easy to make, relatively safe, reliable and provide for fast start-up of the motor, but fall short when used with RNX and other composite propellants that are harder to ignite by their very nature.

Potasium chlorate or ammonium perchlorate is frequently used as an oxidizer in igniter composition because of the low melting point, low ignition point and high caloric value with thermic fuels. However, an igniter composition based on potassium chlorate can be sensitive to impact, friction and heat stimuli, and as such, possess certain inherent hazards in their fabrication and usage. Potassium chlorate and the other energetic oxidizers may also be hard to obtain in some countries. Therefore, two igniter compositions based on potassium nitrate and other non exotic chemicals that are also reasonably safe to prepare were developed. Both types, despite their different designs, provide satisfactory results, particularly when used to initiate composite motors.
By Richard Nakka & Peter Lee Ericksson
Pages 4

 
Foreign Language Documents
FUOCHI ARTIFICIALI
Manuale Pratico Per La Fabbricazione Dei Fuochi Artificiali


Pages: 127
G. Lavagnolo
Editore - Torino


   

De faire les fleurs dans les Feux ď Artifice Chinois
De faire les fleurs dans les Feux ď Artifice Chinois

 

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