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Propellant: In this discussion, a solid chemical containing
both fuel and oxidizer that, upon combustion, generates mostly energetic
gases (smokeless powder) or gases and small particulates (blackpowder).
(The colloquial term "powder" is inaccurate in every aspect, a holdover
from when blackpowder was prepared from powdered components, immediately
before use.)
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Propellant Chamber: Interior of case where "propellant"
charge rests.
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Propellant Column: Propellant mass contained within
"propellant chamber" of cartridge case.
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Pyrotechnic Gases: In a "primer
plume," relatively dense (high-pressure) gases containing significant
heat energy and components that continue to react, long after initial
ignition of primer and after those so-called gases have produced through
case "flash hole."
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Total Heat Energy: Caloric content, ability to
raise temperature of surrounding materials. Contrast with "brisance"
– certain primer types generate much more gas with more total energy
but with less brisance than do other types, the former are generally
preferable.