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Simulating Temperature in a Soil Incubation Experiment
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Sensitivity of temperature-based time since death estimation on measurement location
J Shanmugam Subramaniam1, M Hubig2, H Muggenthaler1
1Jena University Hospital - Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Institute of Forensic Medicine, Am Klinikum 1, 07747, Jena, Germany.
International Journal of Legal Medicine
|June 19, 2023
Summary
Rectal temperature measurement location significantly impacts time of death estimation (TDE). Variations in rectal temperature measurement location can lead to 2-3 hour deviations in TDE, highlighting the need for standardized measurement protocols.
Area of Science:
- Forensic Science
- Biophysics
- Computational Biology
Background:
- Rectal temperature measurement (RTM) is crucial for time of death estimation (TDE).
- Existing TDE methods are affected by thermal and environmental uncertainties.
- The impact of RTM location on TDE has not been previously investigated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the influence of rectal temperature measurement location (RTML) variations on TDE.
- To quantify the potential deviations in TDE due to RTML changes using Finite Element (FE) simulations.
- To analyze other factors affecting TDE, including ambient temperature and model positioning.
Main Methods:
- Utilized Finite Element (FE) simulations of body cooling.
- Employed a coarse human FE model and a CT-scan-derived FE model of a male corpse.
- Simulated RTML variations based on anatomical and forensic considerations.
- Analyzed the effects of ambient temperature and soil interaction on body cooling.
Main Results:
- RTML variations can cause maximum TDE deviations of approximately 2-3 hours.
- The direction of maximum influence of RTML changes on TDE was generally along the caudal to cranial axis.
- Ambient temperature and model positioning on wet soil also influenced TDE.
Conclusions:
- Standardized rectal temperature measurement location is critical for accurate TDE.
- FE simulations provide a valuable tool for understanding TDE influencing factors.
- Further research should refine RTML protocols to minimize TDE uncertainty.
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