8 replies to this topic

[pyrotrev]

I was at a demonstartion evening given by one of the largest fireworks importers the other week, and noticed that they had some rockets which appeared to use a propellant I hadn't seen before. There was very little in the way of a tail (almost like a shell fuse), just a small amber coloured (sodium) flame. However they did seem to reach a very good height for the calibre of motor and the payload. has anyone any ideas as to what the propellant might be?

[Richard H]

Sounds like a composite formula, perhaps something similar to para flare motors. (These use a phenolic resin formula cast into a venturi case)

[robert johnson]

I have seen in the states people using phenolic resin compounds moulded in to the cases under a vacume. there good and powerful but for firework motors they often lack any tail.

[brocade]

these composite motors are very powerfull, fast and will carry a reasonable load however you don't tend to get any tail from these and I don't think you can beat a good bp rocket for a decent gold tail and made properly will carry the weight of a 4" shell and still go ballistic

[robert johnson]

absolutely spot on old man.
Although I am able to lift 4" shells on the motors and I have done . I really would not recommend it as these shells do have a very large diameter when they burst open. I stick to 3" shells with the knowledge that they will happily lift 4" if required.

[brocade]

you read my mind only put 4" shells as rocket heading for R&D purposes otherwise when a crowd is present no larger than 3" shell is used.

[robert johnson]

That will be ?5.00 please!

[brocade]

Its in the post

[robert johnson]

when I see you some time I have just finished my next piece of tooling for the rockets.