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Standardized Method for Measuring Collection Efficiency from Wipe-sampling of Trace Explosives
Published on: April 10, 2017
The spatial distribution of postblast RDX residue: forensic implications
Nadia Abdul-Karim1, Ruth Morgan, Russell Binions
1Department of Security and Crime Science, University College London, 35 Tavistock Square, London, WC1H 9EZ, U.K; Department of Chemistry, University College London, Christopher Ingold Laboratories, 20 Gordon Street, London, WC1H 0AJ, U.K.
Journal of Forensic Sciences
|January 3, 2013
Summary
Forensic investigators can now pinpoint explosive residue locations. This study shows residue decreases with distance from the blast center, but increases with detonation height, aiding crime scene investigations.
Area of Science:
- Forensic Science
- Explosives Analysis
- Trace Evidence
Background:
- Current forensic practices for locating explosive residue at bomb scenes lack evidence-based guidelines.
- Practices are often based on tradition rather than empirical data.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the spatial distribution patterns of postblast 1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-triazocyclohexane (RDX) residue.
- To provide empirical data for optimizing residue sample collection at crime scenes.
Main Methods:
- Conducted a series of unconfined detonations with RDX.
- Analyzed residue distribution across various sampling sites and detonation heights.
Main Results:
- Residue recovery decreased as a function of distance from the explosion's center.
- Increased detonation height resulted in greater residue recovery across all sampling sites.
Conclusions:
- Findings provide crucial insights into optimal sampling locations for explosive residue.
- This empirical data can enhance the effectiveness of forensic investigations at bomb scenes.
