Stabbing angle alters peak force and work during sharp force trauma of porcine ribs.

Forensic anthropologists have traditionally relied on a qualitative scale (mild, moderate, severe) for describing the forces required to generate a bony injury; however, recently efforts have focused on providing more quantitative data. The current study considers the effects of blade angle on the peak force, average force, and work measured during an instrumented sharp force impact. Sixty-two porcine side ribs were stabbed with the long axis of the blade perpendicular to the convex surface and the blade edge in one of three orientations (0°, 45°, 90°).

Development and commissioning of an instrumented pneumatic device to simulate blunt- and sharp-force trauma.

Forensic investigators commonly interpret bone fracture patterns to estimate the force required to generate that trauma. Unfortunately, these estimates are limited to qualitative values such as "mild", "moderate" or "extreme" force. This work presents a new experimental forensic device developed to simulate blunt- and sharp-force trauma injuries, while recording the forces and velocities involved, so that a more quantitative relationship between force and trauma can be established.

Bullet Caliber and Type Categorization from Gunshot Wounds in Sus Scrofa (Linnaeus) Long Bone.

Studies on ballistic trauma to the ribs and thorax, cranium, and long bones demonstrate the potential of obtaining a bullet caliber from an entrance wound. In order to validate prior research on caliber estimation in bone tissue and assess the viability of bullet type determination based on the macroscopic evidence at the entrance wound, thirty fleshed pork (Sus scrofa) shoulders (humeri) were shot with either lead or copper jacketed bullets in one of three calibers; 0.22, 9 mm, or 0.

Interpreting the effects of burning on pre-incineration saw marks in bone.

This study examined the effects of fire on the features associated with saw marks in bone. Both class and individual characteristics were examined using stereomicroscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Twenty-four semifleshed Sus scrofa L.

Establishing correspondence in wood: the challenge and some solutions?

Establishing correspondence between the upper portion of a white birch sapling, a suspected weapon, and a potential source from a stand of trees was posed to one of us (GMC). A bending force shattered the sapling, precluding physical matching. Three white birch saplings were taken from the same stand of trees in a similar manner.

SEM and stereomicroscopic analysis of cut marks in fresh and burned bone.

This study documents the prevalence of cut mark characteristics in fresh and burned domestic pig ribs. Stab wounds from single edge serrated and smooth-edged knives were inflicted in the vertebral and sternal regions of each fresh rib. Each rack of ribs was then divided into vertebral and sternal units.

Exsanguinated blood volume estimation using fractal analysis of digital images.

The estimation of bloodstain volume using fractal analysis of digital images of passive blood stains is presented. Binary digital photos of bloodstains of known volumes (ranging from 1 to 7 mL), dispersed in a defined area, were subjected to image analysis using FracLac V. 2.

Differentiation of traumatic and heat-induced dental tissue fractures via SEM analysis.

Previous studies have examined the effects of heating on teeth; however, none have identified characteristics that allow analysts to differentiate traumatic from heat-induced fractures. This study examined our ability to discern notable differences in preincineration traumatic fractures and heat-induced fractures in postincineration dentition. Twelve anterior dental specimens were subjected to blunt force trauma while a second set were not.

A new digital method for the objective comparison of frontal sinuses for identification.

Use of the frontal sinuses for identification requires an objective method of comparison to meet Daubert standards. Christensen's application of Elliptical Fourier Analysis and Likelihood Ratios seems to be a viable solution for this problem. The proposed method draws upon this work and attempts to simplify its application.

Macroscopic analysis of axe and hatchet trauma in fleshed and defleshed mammalian long bones.

Recently, the authors have noted that many studies involving the characterization of chopping weapon wounds have used either semi-fleshed or defleshed bones (e.g., J Forensic Sci 2001; 46: 228).

Microscopic indicators of axe and hatchet trauma in fleshed and defleshed mammalian long bones.

The characterization of wounds in bone caused by chopping weapons has been based on either semi-fleshed or defleshed specimens. This approach has not been adequately justified as reflecting actual cases involving fleshed bone. Likewise, the histological appearance of features in chopping wounds also deserves further attention.