Do you think it matters?

We often have this argument going on amongst pyros as to what is the best way to build a mortar rack. We argue about materials, screws, adhesives, physics, etc. We argue the best way to minimize shrapnel. One, to save our skins, and two, to protect crap from flying into the crowd. Most of us have seen the aftermath of shells detonating inside the mortar, the mess, the injuries, and some have watched their fellow pyros expire in a flash. Alot of us still hand fire shows. We are up close within a couple feet of alot of explosives with a hot burning railroad flare or propane torch. Did I really just say I have fire in hand walking through rows and rows of explosisves?

So I remembered that someone did a video in high speed. The video even makes me think twice about ever firing another shell with my torch. It's a demo of a 3" salute detonating in the mortar. For some added perspective I'll add this. A 3" salute held in the outstretched hand has enough energy to cut you in half and make pieces of you hard to find.

So here's the slow mo:
www.starflightinc.com/HS_Vids/3inch_Salute.wmv

So do you think it really matters what the materials are? maybe for spectator issues but me thinks the pyrotechnician will be lucky to escape serious injury and death.

Check out the rest of the high speed video too. There's some explanations of the videos and there is a cool one of an egg.

www.starflightinc.com/HighSpeedVids.html