Viability of Bos taurus scapulae as a flat bone proxy for ballistic testing

Area of Science:

• Forensic Science
• Ballistics
• Bioengineering

Background:

• Firearm-related deaths necessitate accurate forensic analysis of ballistic trauma.
• Understanding wound ballistics is crucial for legal and investigative purposes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the suitability of bovine scapulae as a model for simulating ballistic trauma in human flat bones.
• To investigate the macroscopic differences in entrance and exit wound morphology using various firearm calibers.

Main Methods:

• Ballistic testing was conducted on Bos taurus (bovine) scapulae at a 30 cm range.
• Six different calibers were used: 0.22 Long Rifle, 9×19 mm NATO, 0.40 S&W, 0.45 ACP, 5.56×45 mm, and 7.62×51 mm.
• Bovine scapulae were chosen for their structural similarity to human flat bones, featuring two cortical layers and a central cancellous section.

Main Results:

• Entrance wound characteristics and exit wound bevelling in the experiments closely resembled those observed in actual forensic cases.
• Increased muzzle velocity correlated with increased bevelling of exit wounds.
• Full metal jacket rounds produced distinct circumferential delamination, mirroring bone damage patterns seen in human crania.

Conclusions:

• Bovine scapulae demonstrate potential as a macroscopic model for simulating ballistic injuries in flat bones, provided specific portions are utilized.
• Further research is recommended to validate these findings and expand their application in forensic ballistics.