Complex Bullet Interactions: An Experimental Study of Upper Leg Inuries to Demonstrate Ballistic Modelling in Multipart Limb Structures

Abstract

Significant work has been undertaken characterising gelatine as a tissue simulant for ballistic testing, the human body however also includes skin and bone within the system. This paper investigated the effect of including bone and skin simulants to represent the thigh on bullet trajectory and temporary cavity. Entry and exit wounds were also compared. 9x19 mm FMJ pistol and 7.62x51 mm NATO rifle ammunition is used to complete firings at a series of targets including gelatine block and bone-gelatine models with a number of skin simulants. Shots are fired with trajectories that pass through the bone and close to the bone for comparison. All firings were recorded with high speed video allowing analysis of the temporary cavity. The results from the firings are presented and discussed. Distinct temporary cavities caused by the presence of bone and skin simulant are described for both through and passed bone cases compared to 10% gelatine only blocks.