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An assessment of human performance in stabbing
I Horsfall1, P D Prosser, C H Watson
1Cranfield University, RMCS Shrivenham, Wilts, UK. horsfall@rmcs.cranfield.ac.uk
Forensic Science International
|August 28, 1999
Summary
This study determined the energy and force of stabbing actions against body armour. Maximum underarm stabbing energy reached 64 J, while overarm actions reached 115 J, with forces nearing 1000 N.
Area of Science:
- Forensic Science
- Biomechanical Engineering
- Materials Science
Background:
- Stab-resistant body armour is standard police equipment in the UK.
- Current test standards for stab resistance vary significantly in specified energy levels.
- The basis for existing energy level specifications in body armour testing is unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the actual energy range and characteristics of stabbing actions against body armour.
- To provide data for more realistic stab resistance testing standards.
- To understand the forces and energies assailants can generate during stabbing.
Main Methods:
- Volunteers performed stabbing actions using an instrumented knife.
- The knife measured axial force and acceleration during stabbing.
- Tests simulated stabbing attacks relevant to assailant behaviour.
Main Results:
- Underarm stabbing actions generated a maximum energy of 64 Joules.
- Overarm stabbing actions could produce up to 115 Joules.
- Contact loads during stabbing frequently approached 1000 Newtons.
Conclusions:
- Stabbing actions can generate significant energy and force, exceeding some current test standards.
- Findings suggest a need to re-evaluate and potentially revise stab resistance testing protocols.
- This research provides empirical data to inform the development of more effective body armour standards.