Journal Published Online: 01 January 1991
Volume 36, Issue 1

Gunshot Entrance Wound Abrasion Ring Width as a Function of Projectile Diameter and Velocity

CODEN: JFSCAS

Abstract

The relationships between gunshot entrance wound abrasion ring widths versus projectile diameter and velocity, using foam-backed deer hides as targets, were investigated. At a fixed velocity, abrasion ring width increased with increasing projectile diameter but decreased in proportion to the central defect diameter. For fixed-diameter projectiles, very slow and high velocities produced minimal abrasion width. Maximal abrasion width occurred at intermediate velocities.

The authors postulate that abrasion width is a function of the ratio of projectile velocity and the maximum deformation velocity of the target skin. The largest abrasion width occurs when the ratio is one. Using a projectile velocity known to produce maximum abrasion width at an initial warm temperature, then decreasing the target deformation velocity by cooling, produced the expected results of decreasing abrasion width.

Author Information

Randall, B
University of South Dakota School of Medicine, Sioux Falls, Sioux Falls, SD
Jaqua, R
University of South Dakota School of Medicine, Sioux Falls, Sioux Falls, SD
Pages: 7
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Stock #: JFS13014J
ISSN: 0022-1198
DOI: 10.1520/JFS13014J