A new ballistic simulant "transparent gel candle" (experimental study)

Ulus Travma Acil Cerrahi Derg. 2003 Apr;9(2):104-6.

Abstract

Background: Inanimate tissue stimulants have been used to show the bullet effects in ballistic studies. Gelatin has been being used as a ballistic stimulant for the last 20 years. It was considered that transparent gel candle (kraton in white paraffin oil) might be used as a soft tissue stimulant that can be an alternative for gelatin.

Methods: For calibration of transplant gel candle, firstly it was shot at the 10% ordinance gelatin at 4 o C, and several concentrations of the transparent gel candle at 4 o C, by later on, by using a competition air gun. It was seen that 15% kraton in 85% white paraffin oil is the most suitable concentration. This kind of transparent gel candle blocks tested by using 9 mm parabellum and 7.62 mm x 51 (NATO 7.62) infantry rifle bullets and high-speed camera.

Results: Because of its transparency and elasticity, the penetration, permanent and temporary cavities of bullets were observed clearly in transparent gel candle.

Conclusions: As a result, transparent gel candle is a good soft tissue stimulant that it can be used in wound ballistic studies.

Publication types

  • Evaluation Study

MeSH terms

  • Forensic Medicine
  • Gelatin*
  • Humans
  • Models, Biological*
  • Wounds, Gunshot / pathology*

Substances

  • Gelatin