Review
of
"Pyrotechnic
Chemistry"
Journal of Pyrotechnics
[ISBN 1-889526-15-0] 2004
Bernard E. Douda
Crane Division, Naval Surface Warfare Center
Pyrotechnic
Chemistry is the fourth in
the Pyrotechnic Reference Series produced by the publisher of the
Journal of Pyrotechnics. It is
composed of nineteen stand-alone
presentations, each authored by a pyrotechnic expert in his specialty
area.
There are chapters dealing with pyrotechnic materials, thermodynamics,
ignition and propagation, burning rate control, black powder, primers
and priming, delays and thermal sources, illuminants, solid rocket
motor design, spark generation, whistle devices, and the chemistry of
colored flames, propellants, glitter, and strobes. Safety aspects are
addressed in chapters discussing composition sensitiveness, hazardous
chemical compositions, and risk assessment.
One advantage of a compilation of this sort is that it makes it
convenient for the reader to find information across a wide range of
pyrotechnic topics. The extensive Table
of Contents
makes this possible. The book contains a large number of figures and
tables to support the text material. There are many examples of
application of the information to pyrotechnic practical situations. For
the most part, this book addresses the topics thoroughly but perhaps in
some cases not to the degree that one would find in a textbook. The
compilation format provided the opportunity for each of the authors to
address his topic to a degree sufficient to relate all aspects of his
topic to practical pyrotechnics. They accomplished this by providing
the underlying theory, the relevant equations, illustrative figures,
and tables of supporting data. The result is that some chapters are
much larger than others.
Another important characteristic of this book is that it addresses many
pyrotechnic safety issues in chapters dedicated to this purpose. Not
only were the authors able to point out safety concerns with material
incompatibilities throughout their individual topics, but also they
prepared three chapters dedicated to sensitivity of pyrotechnic
compositions, hazardous chemical combinations, and risk assessment.
Each chapter includes a set of its own references. These will be
valuable to those wishing to explore a subject further.
The book is easy to read. The topics are presented in an informative
and educational manner. This book not only addresses topics related to
fireworks but also addresses topics relevant to military pyrotechnics.
It complements other pyrotechnic reference books and will serve as a
valuable addition to one's library.
