Experiments on the penetration power of various bullets into skin and muscle tissue

Determining the velocity required for skin perforation by fragment simulating projectiles: a systematic review

“…The utilisation of sectional density has allowed projectiles of different masses and presenting areas to be compared, increasing the number of experiments available from previous analyses, although it has never previously been demonstrated whether the shape of the projectile affects the velocity required for skin perforation. Our review has demonstrated no statistical difference in the velocities required by cylinders to perforate skin compared with spheres of equal mass, confirming that previously postulated by MacPherson3 and Tausch et al 14 This would suggest the empirical equation produced by our review is valid for both shapes of FSP within the mass range presented. This will simplify future models without affecting their fidelity.…”

“…All results plotted with our revised line of best fit (titled ‘Breeze’) compared with lines of best fit generated by previous proposed empirical equations 8 13 14 24…”

“…In Figure 3, our new line of best fit has been compared with the lines produced by all previously proposed empirical equations relating sectional density against V th for skin perforation 8 13 14 24…”

“…Plot of results and lines of best fit comparing those experiments using isolated skin5 13 14 16 18–21 23 versus complete limbs 10 12 15 1722…”

“…However, the sample was too small for this distinction to be made statistically. Tausch et al 14 felt there was no difference between fresh and thawed frozen PMHS skin but did not provide experimental data to substantiate this conclusion. It had been hoped that our review would be able to confirm or refute this review but there were insufficient descriptions in the original papers on the methods of storage.…”