pyrotechnics

1 (music) brilliance of display (as in the performance of music)

2 the craft of making fireworks [syn: pyrotechny]

English

Pronunciation

• /ˌpaɪ.rə.ˈtɛk.nəks/
• /%paI.r@."tEk.n@ks/

Noun

1. The art and technology of fireworks and related military applications.

Related terms

• pyrotechnic
• pyrotechny

Translations

commons Pyrotechnics The term Pyrotechnics can also be used for Fireworks events.

Pyrotechnics is the science of materials capable of undergoing self-contained and self-sustained exothermic chemical reactions for the production of heat, light, gas, smoke and/or sound. Pyrotechnics include not only the manufacture of fireworks, but items such as safety matches, oxygen candles, explosive bolts and fasteners, and components of the automobile safety airbag.

Pyrotechnic devices combine high reliabilty with very compact and efficient energy storage, in the form chemical energy which is converted to expanding hot gases either through deflagration or detonation. The controlled action of a pyrotechnic device (initiated by any of several means, including an electrical signal, optical signal or mechanical impetus) makes possible a wide range of automated and/or remote mechanical actions; for example, deployment of safety equipment and services, precisely timed release sequences, etc. The majority of the technical pyrotechnic devices use propellants in their function, a minority use materials that are classified as primary or secondary explosives to obtain very fast and powerful mechanical (mostly cutting) actions; for example cable cutters or exploding bolts.

Individuals responsible for the safe storage, handling, and functioning of pyrotechnic devices are referred to as pyrotechnicians.

Pyrotechnic dilti Effects

Explosions, flashes, smoke, flames, fireworks or other propellant driven effects used in the entertainment industry are referred to as pyrotechnic special effects, theatrical effects, or proximate pyrotechnics. Proximate refers to the pyrotechnic device's location relative to an audience. Special training and licencing must be obtained from local authorities to legally prepare and use proximate pyrotechnics.

A basic theatrical effect, designed to create a jet or fountain of sparks, is referred to as a gerb. A gerb consists of a sufficiently strong and non-flammable container to hold the pyrotechnic compound. Typical pyrotechnic formulations consist either of flammable materials such as nitrocellulose and/or blackpowder or a mixture of a fuel and oxidizer blended in situ. A plug placed at one end of the container with a small orifice, called a choke, constricts the expulsion of the ignited pyrotechnic compound, increasing the size and aggressiveness of the jet.

Various ingredients may be added to pyrotechnic devices to provide colour, smoke, noise or sparks. Special additives and construction methods are used to modify the character of the effect produced, either to enhance or subdue the effect; for example, sandwiching layers of pyrotechnic compounds containing potassium perchlorate, sodium salicylate or sodium benzoate with layers that do not creates a fountain of sparks with an undulating whistle.

In general, such pyrotechnic devices are initiated by a remotely controlled electrical signal that causes an electric match, or e-match, to produce ignition. The remote control may be manual, via a switch console, or computer controlled according to a pre-programmed sequence and/or a sequence that tracks the live performance via stage cues. Knezevitsch

Display Pyrotechnics

mainarticle Firework

Display pyrotechnics, also known as commercial fireworks, are pyrotechnic devices intended for use outdoors, where the audience can be further away, and smoke and fallout is less of a concern. Generally the effects, though often similar to proximate pyrotechnics, are of a larger size and more vigorous in nature. It will typically take an entire day to setup a professional fireworks display. The size of these fireworks can range from 2.5" diameter to over 16" diameter depending on the available distance from the audience. Special fireworks training and licensing must be obtained from local authorities to legally prepare and use display pyrotechnics.

Consumer Pyrotechnics

Consumer pyrotechnics are devices readily available for purchase to the general public without special licensing or training. These items are considered relatively low hazard devices but, like all pyrotechnics, can still be hazardous and should be stored, handled and used appropriately. Some of the most common examples of consumer pyrotechnics encountered include recreational fireworks, model rocket motors, highway flares, sparklers and caps for toy guns. Pyrotechnics are also indirectly involved in other consumer products such as powder actuated nail guns, ammunition for firearms, and modern fireplaces.

Safety

If not handled and/or used properly pyrotechnics can be dangerous. In 2003, improper use of pyrotechnic devices caused a fire in a Rhode Island nightclub called, The Station. The Station nightclub fire was started when the fireworks the band Great White was using accidentally ignited flammable soundproofing foam, which was not appropriate and/or not installed properly. The foam caused the fire to spread rapidly and the resulting fire led to 100 deaths, ostensibly because their quick escape was blocked by ineffective exit doors. A similar pyrotechnic-induced fire in 2004 destroyed the Republica Cromagnon nightclub in Buenos Aires, Argentina, killing 194 people.

Indoor and/or proximate pyrotechnics is a sub-specialty that requires additional training beyond that of other professional pyrotechnics areas and additionally requires the use of devices especially made for indoor and/or close proximity use. While the type of foam used and the lack of a required sprinkler system were important factors in the fire, the Great White tragedy could have been prevented had those involved paid even minimal attention to standard safety practices around the use of pyrotechnics.

A common low-budget pyrotechnic electric flash pot is created using screw-in electric fuses in a porcelain light fixture. The viewing window is removed from the top of the fuse and flash powder poured into the hole around the fuse link. When plugged into line power, the fuse instantly blows, igniting the flash powder. Such flash pots are highly dangerous since they use exposed line current, the use of high amperage fuses can cause large main circuit breakers and building-wide fuses to trip, and there is usually no indication of whether the lamp socket is powered. Screwing a powder-loaded fuse into an unknowingly powered socket will result in immediate igniting in the face of the pyrotechnician and potentially severe burns. Proper commercial electric flash pots include safety features such as warning pilot lamps, preignition grounding and safing circuits, and keyed power connections to help prevent accidental ignition.

External links

• National Fire Protection Association
• PyroGuide - Pyrotechnics knowledge base
• Natural Resources Canada - Explosive Regulatory Division
• NFPA 1123: Code for Fireworks Display
• NFPA 1126: Standard for the Use of Pyrotechnics Before a Proximate Audience

Synonyms, Antonyms and Related Words