Coins as intermediate targets: reconstructive analysis with synthetic body models.

Area of Science:

• Forensic Science
• Ballistics
• Biomechanical Engineering

Background:

• Intermediate targets are a known phenomenon in wound ballistics.
• Forensic models aid in reconstructing unusual injury patterns.
• Established models include soft-tissue substitutes, glycerin soap, and ordnance gelatin.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and analyze a model-supported reconstruction of a forensic case involving a coin as an intermediate target.
• To demonstrate the interaction between a bullet and a coin.
• To recreate the specific wound pattern observed in the victim.

Main Methods:

• Development of a novel skull-brain model based on prior artificial bone experience.
• Utilizing the model to simulate a real forensic case with a coin as an intermediate target.
• Analyzing the "bullet-coin interaction" and comparing the recreated wound pattern to the victim's injuries.

Main Results:

• The study successfully demonstrated the "bullet-coin interaction" within the model.
• The model accurately recreated the wound pattern found in the victim of the forensic case.
• The ballistic models proved effective in reproducing gunshot cases.

Conclusions:

• Ballistic models, including the novel skull-brain model, offer a simple and economical method for reconstructing gunshot cases.
• The use of such models avoids ethical conflicts associated with using human or animal subjects.
• This approach validates the utility of model-supported reconstructions in forensic investigations involving intermediate targets.