Fireworks | I Didn't Know That

TL;DR

Firework manufacturing involves testing various components such as flash powder, pellet size, and fuses to ensure brightness, burn time, and safety regulations are met.

Transcript

[Applause] we're at one of the UK's leading firework manufacturers and this is their 125 mm aerial Starburst shell a 20-minute display will launch up to 10,000 fireworks and 60% of them will be these bad boys each one costs around £30 and contains half a kilo of explosive enough to launch it to a height of over 100 m as you can see it's much more t... Read More

Key Insights

• 👻 Firework shells contain impressive amounts of explosive material, allowing for higher launches and larger displays.
• 🖐️ Flash powder plays a crucial role in creating the explosive effect and brightness of fireworks.
• 🥃 Pellet size determines the spread and patterns created in the sky during a firework display.
• 😕 Proper measurement and testing of fuses ensure correct ignition altitude and safety.

Questions & Answers

Q: What are the main ingredients in flash powder?

Flash powder is a mixture of potassium perchlorate and aluminum. This combination creates a potent and bright explosion.

Q: Why are the pellets necessary in firework manufacturing?

The pellets are used to prolong the burn time of the firework. Without pellets, the loose powder would explode instantly, resulting in a shorter display.

Q: How do different additives affect the color of the fireworks?

Different additives, such as strontium for red or barium for green, are mixed with the flash powder to create various colors when ignited.

Q: What is the purpose of the external fuse?

The external fuse is used to launch the firework. By wrapping the fuse in paper, it helps contain the hot gases and allows for a quicker burn.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Firework shells contain half a kilo of explosive and are launched to a height of over 100m.

• Flash powder, a mixture of potassium perchlorate and aluminum, is used to create the explosive effect.

• Pellet size is tested to ensure the desired burst diameter, and fuses are measured for correct ignition altitude and duration.

• The final test ensures the firework's noise level is within European regulations.