Ballistics reviews: mechanisms of bullet wound trauma

Abstract

The location of an entrance wound (bullet placement) and the projectile path are the most important factors in causing significant injury or death following a shooting. The head followed by the torso are the most vulnerable areas, with incapacitation resulting from central nervous system (brain or cord) disruption, or massive organ destruction with hemorrhage. Tissue and organ trauma result from the permanent wound cavity caused by direct destruction by the bullet, and also from radial stretching of surrounding tissues causing a temporary wound cavity. The extent of tissue damage is influenced by the type of bullet, its velocity and mass, as well as the physical characteristics of the tissues. The latter includes resistance to strain, physical dimensions of an organ, and the presence or absence of surrounding anatomical constraints. Bullet shape and construction will also affect tissue damage and bullets which display greater yaw will be associated with increased temporary cavitation. Military bullet designs do not include bullets that will expand or flatten as these cause greater wound trauma and are regulated by convention.

Atypical Gunshot Injury to the Ear: A Case Report

“…The location of an entrance wound and the projectile path are the most important factors in causing significant injury or death following shooting [1]. The extent of tissue damage is influenced by the type of bullet, its velocity and mass as well as the physical characteristics of tissues [2]. Gun-shot injuries are characterized by irregular path as well as localised destruction of bones and tissues [1].…”

Deaths resulting from the use of firearms by police against motor vehicles: Study of cases in Porto, Portugal

“…26,27 Case 3 is also to be noted. The victim was quickly disabled, which is expected when the major vessels are hit, 12,27 the aortic arch in this specific case, and the consequent loss of large volumes of blood within seconds. 12 Besides, it was proven that the victim's death occurred immediately after he lost consciousness.…”

“…The victim was quickly disabled, which is expected when the major vessels are hit, 12,27 the aortic arch in this specific case, and the consequent loss of large volumes of blood within seconds. 12 Besides, it was proven that the victim's death occurred immediately after he lost consciousness. In relation to case 6, the victim continued to drive the vehicle for a few more metres and even exited the vehicle unaided, even after being hit in the carotid artery and having suffered neck injuries.…”

“…When bullets strike motor vehicle structures, their behaviour will be influenced by a number of factors including their velocity, energy and construction (mass, shape and material properties), as well as the angle of incidence 10 and material they pass through (metal or glass). The terminal wound ballistics performance in the body of the occupants of the vehicles will essentially depend on the bullet's characteristics, 11,12,8 the effects arising from the interaction with the vehicle's structure, 8 the occurrence of fragmentation and/ or deformation of the bullets, 11 the amount of kinetic energy and momentum 12 with which the bullets strike human tissue, 11,13 the nature of the affected tissues 14,15 and the anatomical area and anatomical structures that are impacted. 15 The most common bullet associated with police shootings is the 9 mm Luger full metal jacket (FMJ) round nose.…”

Finite Element Analysis and Modeling of a .38 Lead Round Nose Ballistic Gelatin Test

“…In other words, it is the scientific study of injuries caused by projectiles and the behavior of these projectiles within human biological tissue [10]. This thesis project will solely focus on terminal ballistics.…”