Black powder burn rate?

EhlerDave

Does anyone know the burn rate of black powder? Feet per second is what I want to know. I have looked around but cant seem to find it listed.

Thanks for any info.

Mobuck

about the same as lightning?? actually a low grade explosive?? I don't understand the question. Are you asking fps of projectile or a trail of powder?

charliemeyer007

I don't have my copy of the DuPont Blaster's Handpont at the hospital but it lists the velocity of most explosives.

jonk

Depends on the powder, both granulation and manufacturer. Depends on compression.

Fast. 'Nough said.

bpost

quote:Originally posted by charliemeyer007
I don't have my copy of the DuPont Blaster's Handpont at the hospital but it lists the velocity of most explosives.


Mine's at home too but IIRC black powder is the lowest level explosive with a burn rate of 12,000 fps.

XXCross

Black powder is a "surface burning" propellant. The rate at which it is consumed (burns) is dependent on the "grain size" and the composition.(purity of components, fineness of grind, uniformity of mix) These are ALL variables, thus the burn rate varies also. "Brown" powder which used partially converted wood was probably the fastest of the lot.

EhlerDave

I have some powder to dispose of and was asked how fast will it burn. I had no idea all I could say is its fast. [8D]

Yes looking for a FPS of a line of powder on the ground.

Mobuck

WHOOSH!!!!!!!!!!!!! FASTER THAN YOU CAN RUN.

EhlerDave

quote:Originally posted by Mobuck
WHOOSH!!!!!!!!!!!!! FASTER THAN YOU CAN RUN.


[:D]

jaegermister

I kept thinking about that 12,000 fps rate, that's real fast! If you had a line of black powder 2 miles long it would burn up in less than a second...no can't be. That must be the rate of the burning gases expanding.
I believe you wanted to know the speed of black powder burning along a line. Did some internet research and someone actually did some involved electronic timing measurements for what purpose? Any way, smaller grain quicker burn, speed varies between 130 centimeters per sec and 180 centimeters per sec. 100 centimeters = just over a yard. Like said "woosh"! Nothing as slow as the Hollywood movies show it where the powder burns slowly up to the keg while the hero escapes....
If you want to dispose of the powder, water it down and spread it out, or use cannon fuse to ignite it.

oneoldsap

It burns way faster than you can run , I've always been told that Black Powder is an Explosive , The blast Wave from most Explosives is 27,000 FPS and up ! Burning Black ain't the best way to dispose of it If you sprinkle it on the ground Mother Nature will take care of it !

cbyerly

Black powder does not detonate like smokeless. It is a surface burning class C (common) explosive. A line of it will act just like a dynamite fuse. Dynamite fuse is graded in FPS. It is not very fast. Why are you "disposing" of the powder? Black never deteriorates like smokeless unless it has been wet.

EhlerDave

Okay thanks guys.

The powder is getting trashed because it may be mixed with smokeless. The owner was not sure. It is not in the cans it came in so not really sure just what type it is.

My plan is to just make a string as long as 3 lbs will go and set it off with cannon fuse, should make a lot of smoke. I have an area where it will be safe and no fire hazard.