Pyrotechnics

From Encyclopedia Jr, free information reference for Kids

Pyrotechnics are used in the entertainment industry

The band Rammstein's stage acts centers largely around pyrotechnics

Pyrotechnics is a field of study often thought synonymous with the manufacture of fireworks, but more accurately has a wider scope that includes items for military and industrial uses. Items such as safety matches, oxygen candles, explosive bolts and fasteners, and the automobile safety airbag all fall under the purview of pyrotechnics.

The use of explosions, flashes, smoke, or flames on-stage is known as Proximate Pyrotechnics.

Many musical groups will use pyrotechnics to enhance the quality of their live shows. Some of the earliest bands to use pyrotechnics was Pink Floyd and Queen. The band Rammstein uses a large variety of pyrotechnics, from flaming costumes to face-mounted flamethrowers. Also Lordi is known of its pyrotechnics.

Generally, pyrotechnics can be divided into categories based on the device's main effects, among them bangs, flashes, flames, or smoke. A basic non-firework pyrotechnic device generally consists of a container to hold the materials, of an obviously hazardous nature, and a fuel, and an oxidizer, as well as additives to increase the strength of the bang or the flash.

In 2003, a fire in a Rhode Island nightclub called The Station was started when a band's (Great White) on-stage pyrotechnics ignited flammable foam which was improperly installed for the use of soundproofing. The foam caused the fire to spread rapidly and resulted in 100 deaths.

[edit] External links

• Pyrotechnics FAQ
• The Pyrotechnics Guild International
• A pyrowiki on pyrotechics