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From: annala@neuro.usc.edu (A J Annala)
Newsgroups: sci.electronics
Subject: Re: 9-volt / rocket launcher?
Message-ID: <14335@oberon.USC.EDU>
Date: 29 Dec 88 02:47:42 GMT
References: <2557@ddsw1.MCS.COM> <2862@kitty.UUCP> <12974@cup.portal.com> <2867@kitty.UUCP>
Sender: news@oberon.USC.EDU
Reply-To: annala@neuro.usc.edu (A J Annala)
Organization: University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
Lines: 25

It seems strange to me that everyone replying to the original request
for information on how to construct a reliable igniter for model rocket
concentrated on home made igniters, estes motors, and ethical problems
believed to be associated with disclosing information on any devices
with explosive/pyrotechnic capabilities.  No one refered the original
poster to the 1960's vintage books on building larger model rockets out
of aluminum pipes filled with star shaped propellant castings with all
of the appropriate safety precautions spelled out in great detail.  I
don't recall the name of the specific book or author ... but we had a
lot of fun as teenagers building 6 foot long 3 inch diameter rockets
with a much longer range and higher boost capability than any estes
product outside of their ramjet engines.  Only one of these "devices"
blew up on the pad ... and as a consequence of the safety instructions
my crew and I were all well protected behind our earthen bunker.

Personally, if I wanted to build bombs I'd buy military surplus goods
containing the appropriate detonators, propellants, and explosives.  I
wouldn't bother trying to jury rig some home brew detonators ... they
are just going to be far too dangerous.  As far as other uses for this
information (e.g. the flame on reviewing the possibility of using flash
bulbs as reliable ignitors for gun powder), has anyone considered going
into the special effects business (e.g. fake explosions with a lot of
flash and no concussion?) for assisting in movie making.  We at USC have
a very good film school ... and this is just the kind of advice which
would be helpful in setting up such innocuous explosions safely.