Acta clinica Croatica, Vol. 39 No. 4, 2000.
Original scientific paper
Analysis of Temporary Cavity Produced by High Velocity Missile in Gelatin Blocks
Želimir Korać
Dubravko Kelenc
Danko Mikulić
Janko Hančević
Abstract
The effects of high velocity missiles (a Russian AK-74 assault rifle, 5.45 mm) in a tissue simulant • gelatin block were analyzed. The characteristics of temporary cavity were studied by the analysis of calibrated images of the missile path. The missile path through the block was visualized using a TV camera with an ultra-speed shutter. TV picture was calibrated before the shooting. Cross-section of the temporary cavity was measured as a function of distance from the missile entry point. The missile track was found to be unpredictable, with deviations to the left, right, up and down. The missiles were unstable regarding precession. Study results showed the temporary cavity to be relatively narrow and regular in the first 10 cm from the missile entry point, becoming much larger and more irregular along the missile track. The largest tissue disruption was found between 150 and 200 mm of the missile path. The missiles were not found to deform or fragment. On the basis of the images obtained, it would be possible to calculate the volume of temporary cavity, which is one of the most significant indicators of tissue disrupting potential of particular missile types.
Keywords
Wounds, gunshot; Gelatin; Models; Military medicine; Forensic medicine
Hrčak ID:
14974
URI
Publication date:
1.12.2000.
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