The art of fireworks

Résumé du document

The Chinese invented fireworks during the Sung dynasty (960-1279) and they are still leaders in the production of fireworks.

The Mongols took Chinese rockets and gunpowder to Arabia and Europe around 1241. The first records of their use in Europe are around 1258, and the first explosive mixture was black powder.

The two figures on the left show Chinese plans in order to build weapons with black powder (1620). However, the first application of this technology was for entertainment and not for war.

The Chinese found that a mixture of sulphur, potassium nitrate, saltpeter, and coal was very flammable and would explode if enclosed in a small space.

Extraits

[...] The art of fireworks is known for centuries. I. History of fireworks The Chinese invented fireworks during the Sung dynasty (960-1279) and they are still leaders in the production of fireworks. The Mongols took Chinese rockets and gunpowder to Arabia and Europe around 1241. The first records of their use in Europe are around 1258, and the first explosive mixture was black powder. The two figures on the left show Chinese plans in order to build weapons with black powder (1620). [...]

[...] This is how fireworks are thrown into the air. III. Anatomy of fireworks Lift Charge When gunpowder burns in the air, the heat and gas generated are expelled outside in order to provide thrust. The gunpowder is confined in a small space, the heat and gas are trapped and expelled outside the rocket. The firework climbs to 1000 feet high into the air. Launching Tube The launching tubes are three times longer than firework shells, and must measure the same size in diameter. [...]

[...] If the timing is off, the firework might detonate too close to the ground and hurt people. Breaks The more the container can resist the explosion, the bigger the explosion will be. Therefore, heavy containers are designed to trap the gas in order to make a giant explosion. IV. Chemistry of fireworks Fireworks are usually made of: an oxidizing agent, a reducing agent, a colouring agent, Oxidisers The first thing in a firework is the oxidizing agent. These produce the Oxygen to burn the mixture. [...]

[...] 7 All the colours of chemicals used in fireworks 7 Colour Producing Compounds 7 V. Sounds in Fireworks 8 VI. The costs of fireworks 8 VII. Safety Tips for Public Fireworks Displays 9 At first sight, a firework seems to be about fire, noise and smoke. The art of fireworks is comparable to many other human arts, such as painting. Science gives us the clues to understand and quantify the chemical and physical phenomena involved in pyrotechnic reactions. Fireworks were invented in China, with the invention of black powder. [...]

[...] Metallic salts create the colours seen in a firework. Some molecules emit light in the visible region and these are used to produce the colours seen in the firework. The visible light is produced between 380 and 780 nm. A glowing object will appear white, if it radiates wavelengths across this entire region. However, if the object emits wavelengths only in a small portion of this region, we will see only one colour. Pure colours need pure ingredients. Even the smallest amounts of sodium impurities change the final colour of the fireworks. [...]