Prediction of flyrock trajectories for forensic applications using ballistic flight equations

The paper presents a method for determination of the maximum throw of flyrock fragments and the estimation of safe distances. The method is based upon formulation and solution of differential equations of ballistic flight of the flyrock fragments. The equations are formulated according to Newton's law of motion. Two possible solutions are presented, an approximate numerical solution and the application of the Runge–Kutta algorithm of the fourth order. As an illustration of the presented method a post-accidental forensic analysis case study is given describing the procedure for determination of the input parameters (especially the launch velocity).

► Ballistic flight equations for flyrock throw estimation in post event forensic analysis. ► Equations are formulated according to Newton's law of motion. ► An approximate numerical and the 4th order Runge–Kutta solutions are presented. ► Flyrock throw is determined by plotting the trajectories of the fragments. ► A case study is given explaining the procedure of equation formulation and solution.