SIMULATING HUMAN FLESH WITH BALLISTIC GELATINE FOR FIREARMS TESTING

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Author: Priyanka Gadisetti, M. Sc Forensic science, University of Calicut, Kerala


Introduction:

Ballistic gelatine is a substance designed to stimulate the effects of bullet wounds in animal muscle tissue. It is used in forensic ballistics to test the terminal performance of firearms ammunition. The gelatine closely mimics the density and viscosity of human and animal muscle tissue, making it an ideal medium for such tests. Ballistic gelatine is preferred over actual muscle tissue because its properties can be carefully controlled, allowing for consistent and reliable comparison of terminal ballistics.

Importance:

Ballistic gelatine-based tissue simulants are widely used in terminal ballistics testing and also an important tool for assessing projectile effects in living tissues. Ballistic gelatine is also the basic building material for reconstruction in forensic ballistic injuries.

Steps in examination of evidence:

• Preparation and Calibration of Ballistic Gelatine.

• Conducting the Ballistic Gelatine Test

• Observation and Documentation.

• Comparative Analysis.

• Data Analysis and Interpretation.

• Forensic Reporting

Limitations of Ballistic Gelatine Testing:

  • Tissue Uniformity: Ballistic gel is designed to simulate average muscle tissue. However, the human body is a complex structure composed of various types of tissues, each with different densities and characteristics. For instance, the gel cannot replicate the hardness of bones or the softness of organs.

  • Ideal Conditions: Ballistic gel tests are usually conducted under ideal conditions, with straight-on shots at close range. Real-world shooting scenarios can be much more varied, involving different angles, ranges, and barriers.

  • Skin Simulation: The first 4 inches of gel are meant to simulate skin and underlying tissue, but this is a simplification. In reality, skin thickness and toughness can vary significantly between individuals, and the gel doesn't account for these variations.

Conclusion:

Ballistic gelatine has proven to be an indispensable tool in the fields of forensic science, law enforcement, military applications, and ammunition development. By simulating human tissue, ballistic gelatine provides a standardized and reproducible medium to analyse the behaviour and effects of projectiles. This simulation allows for a thorough examination of penetration, expansion, and fragmentation of bullets, offering crucial insights into their performance and lethality.

References:

1. Teodora Zecheru, Ciprian Sau, Claudiu Lăzăroaie, Cătălin Zaharia, Traian Rotariu, Paul Octavian Stănescu, Novel formulations of ballistic gelatine. 1. Rheological properties, Forensic Science International, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.forsciint.2016.04.023.

2. Yaoke Wen, Cheng Xu, Yongxi Jin, R.C. Batra, Rifle bullet penetration into ballistic gelatine, Journal of the Mechanical Behaviour of Biomedical Materials, Volume 67.

3. Evans JJ, Bost A, Muci-Küchler KH, DeVeaux LC. Factors affecting use of ballistics gelatine in laboratory studies of bacterial contamination in projectile wounds. Mil Med Res. 2018 May 25;5(1):16. Doi: 10.1186/s40779-018-0164-7. PMID: 29793555; PMCID: PMC5968530.  

4. Image - https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/5f/Aimed_Research_Sub-Microsecond_Photography_of_Federal_Power-Shok_100grn_.243.JPG

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