[SML] SML Fireworks Basics

[billn at peak.org]

> Dave Vick is correct. Gunpowder, whether black powder, modern smokeless or
> Pyrodex, does not explode. They just “burn” exceedingly fast.

Yes and no. Any over-pressurized vessel can explode, regardless of what causes
that over-pressure.

But you are correct that black powder and most versions of smokeless powder do
not detonate - although they can burn (deflagrate) very rapidly when confined.

The inventor of Pyrodex was killed in an explosion at his Pyrodex factory. I
never saw an official report on whether it was a self-confining explosion or
even a detonation.

Some fast burning smokeless powders, such as Bullseye (tm) are reported to
detonate under the right conditions.

Bill