Pyrotechnic component

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While the original usage of "pyrotechnics" referred to fireworks, there are a wide range of engineering applications for pyrotechnic components, which use small quantities of explosives to achieve a desired mechanical result.

Shear fasteners[edit]

For a number of applications where a bolt or other fastener absolutely must release, at a precise time, and without human hands, pyrotechnic bolts and other fasteners are ideal. The explosive, when triggered, cuts the fastener.

Pyrotechnic insertion[edit]

Now at the home handyman level are tools that use small explosive charges to insert fasteners into hard materials. One of the most common uses a .22 rifle cartridge to drive nails into concrete.

Gas generators[edit]

Pyrotechnics can generate large volumes of gas, or, when appropriate, clouds of finely divided particles. A very common application is the gas generator used to inflate an automotive air bag, which commonly uses a desensitized version of the explosive lead azide.

Explosive forming and welding[edit]

The ancestors of explosively formed projectiles variously etched patterns into hard objects, or welded them together.

Signaling[edit]

Esthetic fireworks[edit]