Is there any danger of over pressurizing the case causing a CATO with starters that have been augmented to insure a good motor start?
(The 40-120 case with G-76 reload)
Is there any danger of over pressurizing the case causing a CATO with starters that have been augmented to insure a good motor start?
(The 40-120 case with G-76 reload)
I'm curious about this because 16 years ago... Thermite ignitors were standard fare where I launched. The table used to give out small clips of thermite and small gauge write to create our own starters or to include with copperheads... Since I've been back, I've seen no one using these. I'm not saying I still have some thermite clips, but....
Also, the First Fire starters seem to work fine for me so far. Wildman sells starters that are stupendous as well...
Absolutely possible, and quite likely if you have do not understand how igniters work.Is there any danger of over pressurizing the case causing a CATO with starters that have been augmented to insure a good motor start?
(The 40-120 case with G-76 reload)
well, i guess that would mean that "easy" is a term of perception. my statement was in comparison between thermalite and thermite, remember copper thermite is 1 of many types of thermite, and different compositions of thermite are all different in the auto ignition temperature. (which is not required to cause initiation), some are static sensitive, and most of all thermites are again Powdered metals, which can "spontaneously combust" some are static sensitive, so I would always consider that to mean,... easy to initiate.Copper thermite is not generally "easy" to initiate. It has a high heat of activation. BP is more dangerous relatively speaking.
There are ways to "doctor" thermite otherwise. It is not recommended unless one is willing to accept the risk.
Is there any danger of over pressurizing the case causing a CATO with starters that have been augmented to insure a good motor start?
(The 40-120 case with G-76 reload)
A standard igniter giving a CATO on startup is not likely the igniter. It is likely something else that went wrong.
Gerald
A standard igniter giving a CATO on startup is not likely the igniter. It is likely something else that went wrong.
Gerald
Was a D21. Used a twiggy igniter. Only D21 I have ever had .
Based on my knowledge of twiggy's, that's a pretty fat pyrogen head to fit in an 18mm.
Straight copper thermite, 12V nichrome bridgewire works. Must not use "real fine" powders or it can go off like a high order explosion. Must be course enough to
prevent that from ocurring. I know as that is exactly what happened to me many moons ago with some Ebay powders of questionable mesh. I was glad I was using launch electronics at a distance for the test. Those reagents went unused for rocketry purposes. Kurt
There are many forms of thermite. The copper one that seems popular is one of the more dangerous ones to use. It is more static and shock sensitive than many others, and burns explosively rather than progressively. It should not be stored but either used on the spot - or used on the spot. IMHO it is NOT an appropriate choice. If something goes wrong with preparation, handling, or use, you won't even have time to know it until it is over. There are far better choices.
There are also various pyrogen choices, commercial or EX, and of course pyrodex which works well and avoids lots of issues, where the motor is big enough to use it (75mm and larger, for instance).
Gerald
There are many forms of thermite. The copper one that seems popular is one of the more dangerous ones to use. It is more static and shock sensitive than many others, and burns explosively rather than progressively. It should not be stored but either used on the spot - or used on the spot. IMHO it is NOT an appropriate choice. If something goes wrong with preparation, handling, or use, you won't even have time to know it until it is over. There are far better choices.
There are also various pyrogen choices, commercial or EX, and of course pyrodex which works well and avoids lots of issues, where the motor is big enough to use it (75mm and larger, for instance).
Gerald
Can you get pyrodex pellets that are small enough to be used 54 mm or 38 mm reloads?
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