Schyma, C.; Bauer, K.; Müller, R; Brünig, J.; Gotsmy, W. (2020). The influence of muzzle gas on the temporary cavity. International journal of legal medicine, 134(3), pp. 1115-1122. Springer 10.1007/s00414-020-02269-1
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Schyma2020_Article_TheInfluenceOfMuzzleGasOnTheTe.pdf - Published Version Available under License Publisher holds Copyright. Download (7MB) | Preview |
Shot range, the muzzle-target distance, is a crucial parameter for forensic reconstruction of deaths by firearms. In a large number of cases, especially suicides, the forensic pathologist is confronted with contact or near-contact shots, where muzzle gases play an additional role. This study was conducted to systematically investigate the influence of muzzle gases on the temporary cavity (TC). A total of 72 shots were fired using full metal-jacketed bullets in four forensically relevant calibres from 10-, 5-, 3-, 2- and 1-cm distance and in close contact. Target model was the so-called reference cube (10% gelatine at 4 °C) with 12-cm edge length. The TC was recorded using high-speed video (HSV). Cross-sectional analysis was performed by cutting the blocks to 1-cm slices, which were evaluated by applying the polygon method. The TC of shots from 10 and 5 cm distance had a tubular form. This aspect changed depending on the cartridge with decreasing distance (≤ 3 cm) into a pear-like form, which was typical for contact shots. The cumulated heights of the TC increased with decreasing distance below 3 cm. Contact shots approximately doubled the extension of the TC compared with exclusive energy transfer. Whereas HSV documented an increasingly asymmetric profile with ballooning at the entry side, cross-sectional analysis of cracks in gelatine resulted in convex graphs with only slight asymmetry for contact shots. Additional damage in gelatine was detected for 3-cm distance or less in calibre .357 Magnum and ≤ 2 cm for .32 auto, .38 special and 9mm Luger. The increasing influence of muzzle gas pressure is detectable with decreasing shot range below 3 cm.
Item Type: |
Journal Article (Original Article) |
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Division/Institute: |
04 Faculty of Medicine > Service Sector > Institute of Legal Medicine 04 Faculty of Medicine > Service Sector > Institute of Legal Medicine > Forensic Medicine 04 Faculty of Medicine > Service Sector > Institute of Legal Medicine > Management |
UniBE Contributor: |
Schyma, Christian, Bauer, Kristina, Brünig, Julia, Gotsmy, Walther |
ISSN: |
0937-9827 |
Publisher: |
Springer |
Funders: |
[4] Swiss National Science Foundation |
Language: |
English |
Submitter: |
Antoinette Angehrn |
Date Deposited: |
21 Apr 2020 14:50 |
Last Modified: |
06 Mar 2024 00:25 |
Publisher DOI: |
10.1007/s00414-020-02269-1 |
PubMed ID: |
32130474 |
Uncontrolled Keywords: |
Backspatter Contact shot Firearm barrel Muzzle gases Suicide Wound ballistics |
BORIS DOI: |
10.7892/boris.142509 |
URI: |
https://boris.unibe.ch/id/eprint/142509 |
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