Publications Details

Pyrotechnic device technology

Wilcox, P.D.

This talk was given at the 14th International Pyrotechnic Seminar on September 21, 1989, in Jersey, United Kingdom, as one of two plenary lectures. It briefly surveys the current technology of pyrotechnic devices and examines trends for the future. The pyrotechnic'' can have several meanings. In this talk, pyrotechnic devices'' are devices in which porous materials undergo reduction-oxidation reactions and produce useful products. The pyrotechnic materials are generally fuel-oxidizer systems without binders, in contrast to primary or secondary explosives or propellants. The word pyrotechnic'' is often used to include explosive, squib, propellant, or other ordnance type devices, especially in the European community. The major need for pyrotechnic devices has always been military and defense; however, as technology advances, the civilian uses of pyrotechnics will continue to grow. If every automobile had a pyrotechnic device to trigger its air or crash bag, that application alone would mean millions of devices per year. Applications in safety, fire fighting, law enforcement, and other commercial applications are likely to increase due to the increased capability of pyrotechnic devices and the integration of such devices in system designs. 2 refs., 56 figs.