Bullet Trajectory after Impact on Laminated Particle Board

Area of Science:

• Forensic Science
• Ballistics
• Materials Science

Background:

• Reconstructing bullet trajectories requires understanding projectile behavior upon impact.
• Bullet deflection significantly influences spatial orientation analysis between impact points.
• Laminated particle board is a common material relevant to forensic investigations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To quantify critical ricochet angles and deflection angles (vertical and horizontal) for various cartridge types impacting laminated particle board.
• To assess the influence of impact angle on bullet deflection.
• To provide data for improving the accuracy and precision of bullet trajectory reconstruction methods.

Main Methods:

• Testing eight different cartridge types fired at laminated particle board.
• Measuring critical ricochet angles and subsequent vertical and horizontal deflection angles.
• Analyzing the relationship between angle of incidence and deflection magnitude.

Main Results:

• Critical ricochet angles for all tested cartridges ranged from approximately 14° to 26°.
• Jacketed bullets exhibited lower critical ricochet angles, between 14° and 18°.
• Deflection angles were largest near the critical ricochet angle; vertical and horizontal deflections were negligible above 30°-40° for handgun ammunition.

Conclusions:

• The study provides essential data for forensic scientists reconstructing bullet trajectories.
• Understanding deflection angles is critical for accurate spatial orientation analysis.
• Deflection effects diminish at higher angles of incidence for handgun ammunition on this substrate.