Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
---|---|---|---|---|
6552997 | Forensic Science International | 2012 | 4 Pages |
Abstract
Although the benefits of the use of less lethal kinetic energy munitions are numerous, there is a need to evaluate the munitions prior to deployment to ensure their intended effect. The objective of the current research was to validate a surrogate that could be used to predict the risk of penetration of these devices. Existing data from biomechanical testing with post-mortem human specimens (PMHS) served as the foundation for this research. Development of the surrogate involved simulating the various layers of the skin and underlying soft tissues using a combination of materials. A standardized 12-gauge impactor was used to assess each combination. The energy density that resulted in a 50% risk of penetration for the anterior thorax region (23.99Â J/cm2) from the previous research was matched using a specific combination of layers. Twelve various combinations of materials were tested with the 50% risk of penetration determined. The final validated surrogate consisted of a Laceration Assessment Layer (LAL) of natural chamois and .6Â cm of closed-cell foam over a Penetration Assessment Layer (PAL) of 20% ordnance gelatin. This surrogate predicted a 50% risk of penetration at 23.88Â J/cm2. Injury risk curves for the PMHS and surrogate development work are presented.
Related Topics
Physical Sciences and Engineering
Chemistry
Analytical Chemistry
Authors
Cynthia A. Bir, Marianne Resslar, Shelby Stewart,