Titanium, et al, on tie - New Theories

Dr. William Cover has sent me several emails concerning the titanium found on the tie. Today, he sent a very interesting summary that I think will pique your interest. Here is Dr. Cover's commentary:


Dear Bruce:

Has this line of reasoning been explored? More details below.

1. The minerals identified on the tie and the lycopodium spores are consistent with someone who works assembling pyrotechnic devices with unique formulations in 1971.
2. The brief case and the alleged bomb configuration is similar to a pyrotechnic device size and the appearance by a stewardess would be tricked into thinking it was a bomb. ( Would someone smoke cigarettes if he really had dynamite?)
3. The burning object or flash of light observed and reported in your book is consistent with igniting a pyrotechnic device after or before leaving the plane
Bill Cover

 Tie: titanium, bismuth, aluminum, lycopodium

Aluminum [Al]
Most widely used fuel in modern pyrotechnics; produces a brilliant, bright flame.  The particles come in several of different shapes, such as flakes and grains.  From <http://www.cannonfuse.com/store/pc/Pyrotechnic-Formulas-Chemical-Guide-d28.htm>

Bismuth Trioxide [Bi2O3]Used as a non-toxic alternative to lead tetraoxide to make crackling stars.

 Bismuth Subcarbonate [(BiO)2CO3]Also used as a non-toxic alternative to lead tetraoxide to make crackling stars.

 From <http://www.cannonfuse.com/store/pc/Pyrotechnic-Formulas-Chemical-Guide-d28.htm>

Titanium [Ti]Metal used to produce bright white sparks, the intensity and duration of which is affected by particle size.

 From <http://www.cannonfuse.com/store/pc/Pyrotechnic-Formulas-Chemical-Guide-d28.htm>

flashpot
 
Lycopodium has been used in fireworks and explosives, fingerprint powders, as a covering for pills, and as an ice cream stabilizer. Today, the principal use of the powder is to create flashes or flames that are large and impressive but relatively easy to manage safely in magic acts and for cinema and theatrical special effects.

brief bio

Dr. William H. Cover is an accomplished Scientist and Regulatory Affairs Professional with more than 25 years of proven leadership experience in the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and medical device industries.  Dr. Cover has worked for both large and small start-up companies holding positions in functional areas that include regulatory affairs, drug development, validation, quality assurance/control, production, and research.  He has both domestic and global regulatory affairs experience with commercial products and product candidates in development (proteins, small molecules, gene therapy products, medical devices, generics, and combination products).


Prior to specializing in Regulatory Affairs, Dr. Cover was the Head Research Scientist at PurePulse Technologies and directed activities for 12 development collaborations with both major pharmaceutical/medical device companies as well as small start-up organizations with product targets such as vaccines, virus inactivation methods, and sterilization of combination products and implantable medical devices. He has patents, publications and invited presentations in his fields of expertise.


EDUCATION and Academic Experience

 - Juris Doctorate  (2006-2011) Taft University

Assistant Professor of Biochemistry and Microbiology (1987-1988)
  University of New Orleans

 -  Life Science Research Fellow (1984-87)  Washington State University

Post-Doctoral Scholar: Microbiology (1983) UCLA
Ph.D. Microbiology (1978-1982) UCLA
M. S. Microbiology (1976-1978) Virginia Tech
B. S.  Biology (1970-1974) Virginia Tech




Second Email, 9. 9. 16:

“...same technology would have been used to make flares in the military that have different colors...could still be a military person.�


Third email, 9. 9. 16, regarding the "Fiery Object Theory"

"I do not think he had to intentionally ignite the pyrotechnic flash. Static electricity, mixing of chemicals as it left the plane (sudden jolt) while it is protected in the case. I assume he took the case or threw it out
 my understanding is it takes very little to accidently set off a charge in a homemade device.

Pyrotechnic theory satisfies Cooper as a real threat because igniting the device would cause the plane to catch fire and possibly crash. It is an exothermic reaction, so once it starts it keeps going. Maybe this is the only step that did not go as he planned.

A pyrotechnic composition is a substance or mixture of substances designed to produce an effect by heat, light, sound, gas/smoke or a combination of these, as a result of non-detonative self-sustaining exothermic chemical reactions."

Whoa, I joined the DZ in October 2008 and I never heard of this stuff. You are the Patriarch of DBC Forums, G.

Re:georger   One interesting thing to me (I had forgot!) was it was Sluggo who introduced the Janet story! And he did so in great fashion = fairly without judgement. Then it all made sense because I recall at the time Wayne was communicating a lot with Cook. So I am sure Galen passed on the Janet story to Wayne.

I really wish I could recover the name and location of that ordinance facility/test range that someone brought up during those discussions.
                       

                             I seem to vaguely remember Hager mentioning some ordinance facility. I can't remember much about it though. Was it possibly just east of Mt. St. Helens? I really don't remember, it might have been closer to the middle of the state.