Fireworks are synonymous with celebration in the twenty-first century. But pyrotechnics—in the form of rockets, crackers, wheels, and bombs—have exploded in sparks and noise to delight audiences in Europe ever since the Renaissance. Here, Simon Werrett shows that, far from being only a means of entertainment, fireworks helped foster advances in natural philosophy, chemistry, mathematics, and many other branches of the sciences. Fireworks brings to vibrant life the many artful practices of pyrotechnicians, as well as the elegant compositions of the architects, poets, painters, and musicians they inspired. At the same time, it uncovers the dynamic relationships that developed between the many artists and scientists who produced pyrotechnics. In so doing, the book demonstrates the critical role that pyrotechnics played in the development of physics, astronomy, chemistry and physiology, meteorology, and electrical science. Richly illustrated and drawing on a wide range of new sources, Fireworks takes readers back to a world where pyrotechnics were both divine and magical and reveals for the first time their vital contribution to the modernization of European ideas.

How do fireworks get their colors? And why do they explode? Read this book to learn all about the chemical and physical properties of materials, as well as firework safety.

For centuries fireworks have been a source of delight and amazement in cultures around the world. But what produces their dazzling array of effects? This book takes you behind the scenes to explore the chemistry and physics behind the art of pyrotechnics. Topics covered include history and characteristics of gunpowder; principles behind each of the most popular firework types: rockets, shells, fountains, sparklers, bangers, roman candles and wheels; special effects, including sound effects, coloured smokes and electrical firing; firework safety for private use and displays; and firework legislation. The Chemistry of Fireworks is aimed at students with A level qualifications or equivalent. The style is concise and easy to understand, and the theory of fireworks is discussed in terms of well-known scientific concepts wherever possible. It will also be a useful source of reference for anyone studying pyrotechnics as applied to fireworks. Review Extracts "a worthwhile addition to the pyrotechnist's library" Fireworks "a useful source of information which makes absorbing reading."" Angewandte Chemie, International Edition.

This book is devoted to the state-of-the-art in all aspects of fireworks algorithm (FWA), with particular emphasis on the efficient improved versions of FWA. It describes the most substantial theoretical analysis including basic principle and implementation of FWA and modeling and theoretical analysis of FWA. It covers exhaustively the key recent significant research into the improvements of FWA so far. In addition, the book describes a few advanced topics in the research of FWA, including multi-objective optimization (MOO), discrete FWA (DFWA) for combinatorial optimization, and GPU-based FWA for parallel implementation. In sequels, several successful applications of FWA on non-negative matrix factorization (NMF), text clustering, pattern recognition, and seismic inversion problem, and swarm robotics, are illustrated in details, which might shed new light on more real-world applications in future. Addressing a multidisciplinary topic, it will appeal to researchers and professionals in the areas of metahuristics, swarm intelligence, evolutionary computation, complex optimization solving, etc.

为了让读者系统、快速地掌握Adobe Fireworks CS6软件，本书全面、详细地介绍了Fireworks的基础知识和基本操作、位图图像处理、矢量图形设计、文本处理与颜色应用、动态滤镜的使用，图文并茂地讲解样式、元件和URL、层、页面、蒙版、混合模式的使用及如何创建切片、变换图像和热点、按钮、弹出菜单和动画。另外还介绍了如何在Fireworks中对图像进行优化和导出，任务自动化等。本书由行业资深人士、Adobe专家委员会成员以及参与Adobe中国数字艺术教育发展计划命题的专业人员编写。全书语言通俗易懂，内容由浅入深、循序渐进，并配以大量的图示，特别适合初学者学习，同时对有一定基础的读者也大有裨益。本书对参加Adobe及ACAA认证考试的考生具有指导意义，同时也可以作为高等学校美术专业计算机辅助设计课程的教材。另外，本书也非常适合其他各类培训班及广大自学人员参考阅读。

Bursting with images from across time, a sparkling chronicle of rockets, pinwheels, and more. This book illuminates the glittering history of fireworks, from their mysterious beginnings to the dazzling big-budget displays of today. It describes how they enthralled the world’s royal courts and became a sensation across the British Empire. There are stories of innovations like “living fireworks,” fiercely fought international competitions, and the technology behind modern showpieces viewed by millions. Practitioners say fireworks are an art, and they have inspired artists from Shakespeare, Handel, Dickens, and Whistler to Katy Perry. But John Withington also covers fireworks’ practical uses—rescues at sea, attempts to control the weather—while not ignoring their dangers, accidents, or efforts to make them safer.

What causes our breathtaking excitement when fireworks burst above us? Why do we "see fireworks" when we fall deeply in romantic love? Why are fireworks and explosions the most apt metaphor for passion of any kind? Lynn McLain, a daughter of Dr. Joseph H. McLain, who designed and manufactured fireworks and worked on safety standards for decades, poses those questions -- and answers many others in this compact book that celebrates all that fireworks have to offer. The book includes colorful reproductions of rare images alongside intriguing historical and cultural fireworks trivia questions and answers. All royalties from its sale will be donated to the installation of an unprecedented, fireworks-inspired, computer-programmable, permanent light sculpture at Washington College in Chestertown, Maryland in honor of Dr. John A. Conkling and in memory of the author's father, both of whom made great contributions to the science and safety of fireworks.