Chemistry of Pyrotechnics Courses

In a community where the slightest change of physical, environmental, and process properties can yield wildly varied and energetic reactions, a basic understanding of pyrotechnic chemistry offers added levels of safety.  A TCI-organized training gap analysis in 2016 identified the need for two Chemistry of Pyrotechnics Courses.  This suite of chemistry courses addresses topics from the basic chemical reaction principles and theory to advanced discussions of pyrotechnic, explosive, and propellant.

Chemistry of Pyrotechnics:  Basic Course

The Chemistry of Pyrotechnics Basic Course is a 4-day course designed to provide students with a firm understanding of the basic chemistry principles of pyrotechnics, propellants and explosives.  All lectures will be presented from a chemistry perspective, but the course material will be presented as to ensure all students will understand regardless of their chemistry background or experience.  The course is intended to be of interest to persons engaged in the design, manufacture, management, identification, regulation, analysis, disposal, and use of all types of energetic compositions. Pyrotechnics, propellants, and explosives will be discussed in detail highlighting their similarities as well as their differences.  The principles discussed in the lectures will be demonstrated in the laboratory and at an explosives range, weather permitting.  A copy of “Chemistry of Pyrotechnics – Basic Principles and Theory”, by Dr. John A. Conkling and Mr. Christopher Mocella, will be provided for each student.

Course Content:

The course will follow the third edition of “Chemistry of Pyrotechnics – Basic principles and theory”, by Dr. John A. Conkling and Mr. Christopher Mocella.  Dr. Matthew Green of Oklahoma State University’s Center for Fire and Explosives, Forensic Investigation, Training and Research (CENFEX) will provide the majority of the lectures throughout the week, with specific segments presented by visiting instructors from other explosive laboratories.  Dr. Green and co-instructors will conduct laboratory demonstrations to supplement the course materials.  Course focuses include:

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• A review of the basic chemical and pyrotechnic principles

• Components of energetic mixtures

• Ignition, propagation, and sensitivity testing of pyrotechnic compositions

• Systems and compositions for heat, light, color, smoke production, propulsion, and explosive effects

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Chemistry of Pyrotechnics II:  Intermediate Course (Dates TBD)

The Chemistry of Pyrotechnics II – Intermediate Course is a 4-day course designed to provide working professionals who desire to continue their education the opportunity to examine fundamental concepts applied to the manufacturing of explosive substances and articles (ESA).  A background in chemistry is helpful but not mandatory as the course is designed for persons engaged in development, manufacture, management, distribution, regulation, analysis, disposal, and use of ESA.  Pyrotechnic, explosive, and propellant substances and articles will be discussed and demonstrated daily as well as a day trip to an outdoor range facility for larger-scale demonstrations.  Hands on opportunities will be provided for students with interest.

Course Content:

The course will use the third edition of “Chemistry of Pyrotechnics – Basic principles and theory”, by Dr. John A. Conkling and Mr. Christopher Mocella, and, the third edition of “The Chemistry of Explosives”, by Dr. Jacqueline Akhavan.  Instruction provided by Dr. Jackson Shaver and guest lecturers.

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• Advanced discussion of pyrotechnic, explosive and propellant principles and practices

• Process safety and quality assurance concepts for energetic materials

• Research and tools to predict and measure energetic effects

• Management of explosive substances and articles