Firework Shapes... How?
Posted by Mark Neville on April 17, 2012 0 Comments
Fireworks have come a long way since the invention of gun powder in 7th century China. Thanks to advancements in technology and chemical combinations every year we see new and exciting products hit the shelves. But the one that is still sure to amaze is the patterned shell. The first time you saw that smiley face or shining heart dancing in the sky didn't you ask; how did they do that? We did. Well wonder no more.
First used in the 90’s to welcome home Desert Storm Troops to the US, the picture or shape displayed comes down to the construction of the aerial shell.
Whether its single ignitions or big rockets the ‘dots’ we see as spectators, referred to as ‘stars’, are packed into cylindrical casings - the aerial shell; this forms the basis for any aerial firework. To manipulate the stars into forming a shape upon ignition the answer is simple; cardboard. By placing a section of cardboard cut into your desired shape into the aerial shell and packing the stars around it, you will force the stars to explode outward in the chosen pattern. Genius!
No one has been formally recognised as “inventing” the addition of a cardboard insert but let’s face it, as the world’s leading developer and manufacturer of fireworks our money’s on China!
