EXP ENG 5514:Fireworks Manufacturing

Students in Fireworks Manufacturing learn the basic techniques in the safe manufacture of pyrotechnics. Participantslearn about safety regulations, star formulas, fireworks effects, shell design and construction, and display operations.

Instructors:Steve Hall andDr.PaulWorsey

Description:Provide participants with the knowledge required to safely manufacture, assemble, and shoot pyrotechnic devices. Class work will be complemented by practical training in laboratory sessions, culminating in each student manufacturing a 5” display shell. Prerequisites:Chem 1310 and Econ 101 or their equivalent; US Citizen or permanent resident, Successful background check.

Explosives Engineering 5514

Fireworks Manufacturing

Course Expectations & Information

Staff: The course will be instructed by Steve Hall, lecturer, MS Explosives Engineering and BS Chemical Engineering (email: ), and Dr. Paul Worsey.

Objectives

  1. The objective of the course is to train each individual student in basic techniques of manufacturing pyrotechnic devices.
  1. Each course individual to be given the opportunity to develop pyrotechnic formulas, manufacture components, assemble professional display shells, and observe their products perform. The class emphasizes hands on experience in manufacturing pyrotechnic devices.

Goals

  1. At the conclusion of the course it is expected that each individual member in the class will have safely constructed a properly functioning 5” display shell.

Requirements

  1. Each student has to be 18 years old before taking the course.
  2. Due to ATF requirements each student has to pass a background check. Make sure you have received confirmation of your check from Shirley Hall.
  3. Each student is expected to bring to class safety glasses, hard hat, and appropriate fire resistant clothing (100% cotton outers) plus suitable work boots. Each participant is expected to dress appropriately for inclimate weather outdoors when necessary.
  4. Each student must act in a safe and professional manner and follow instructions precisely at all times.
  5. Each student is expected to have a whole load of fun!

Grading

Student grades will be based on scores from homework, quizzes, lab work, and a final exam.

The grades will be comprised as follows:

Quizzes (5) -- 100 points

Homework Assignments (5) – 100 points

Lab Project – 100 points

Final Exam – 100 poionts

GRADES: A (90-100%), B(80-89%),C(70-79%),D(60-69%),F(<60%). The instructor reserves the right to adjust this grading scale to the student’s benefit when calculating final grades.

COURSE EXPECTATIONS: Students will be expected to act professionally and respectfully. Student success will be proportional to the effort put into the course. Horseplay or other unsafe activities at the manufacturing site will not be tolerated. Safety glasses are mandatory anytime a student is handling pyrotechnic compositions. Failure to follow safety rules will result in grade point deductions and repeat offenders will be dismissed from class. Attendance, timely completion of assignments, quiz scores, lab results, and a final exam will determine the student’s final grade in the class.

COURSE SCHEDULE:

WEEK ONE – COURSE EXPECTATIONS, SAFETY, DISPLAY OPERATOR REVIEW, VIDEOS.

WEEK TWO – REGULATIONS, SHELL CONSTRUCTION, CHEMICAL COMPOSITION, BAG MINE LAB

WEEK THREE – BALL SHELLS, 3” PLASTIC AND PAPER BALL SHELL LAB

WEEK FOUR – STAR MAKING, ROLLING STARS AND CUT STARS LAB

WEEK FIVE –BLACK POWDER AND BURST CHARGE LAB, WASP MACHINE

WEEK SIX – CYLINDER SHELL CONSTRUCTION, PROJECT LAB TIME

WEEK SEVEN – ADVANCED TECHNIQUES (MULTI BREAK, TIMED EFFECTS, COMETS ROCKETS, GERBS), PROJECTS LAB TIME

WEEK EIGHT – FINAL EXAM REVIEW, PROJECT LAB TIME

WEEK NINE – FINAL EXAM, SHOOT AND GRADE PROJECTS

THE DISTANCE COURSE SCHEDULE IS FLEXIBLE DEPENDENT UPON INDIVIDUAL STUDENT SCHEDULES.

LAB SCHEDULE:

LABS WILL BE CONDUCTED OUTDOORS AT THE MINE DURING THE 4PM TO 8PM CLASS TIMES FOR CAMPUS CLASSES, WEATHER AND DAYLIGHT PERMITING. LABS FOR DISTANCE CLASSES WILL BE SCHEDULED OVER A FULL 3 DAY WEEKEND.

ASSIGNMENTS:

WEB SEARCH (FIREWORKS INJURIES)

WEB SEARCH (AFN, PGI, PYRO DIRECT, PYRO TALK, SKYLIGHTER, MOPYRO,PYRO-UNIVERSE)

CHEMICAL COMPOSITION EXERCISE

EFFECT IDENTIFICATION AND MANUFACTURE EXERCISE

UTUBE FIREWORKS MANUFACTURING SEARCH

ACADEMIC HONESTY: Any student caught violating the university’s Academic Honesty policy will be reported to the authorities that govern such issues.

DISABILITY/SPECIAL NEEDS: If a student has a special need or disability, the student is encouraged to contact the course instructor and arrangements will be made to keep the learning environment fair to all involved.