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The analysis was performed on six commonly used 5.56 x 45 mm projectile types (M193, M855, M855A1, L31A1, M995, and AP45). The projectile's impact velocity (chosen as 900 m/s) was the same in the examination process. This made it possible to assess how the projectile's design has affected its performance against a hard steel target. These evaluations included numerical simulations (Ansys Autodyn) of projectile impacts. Using the available experimental data, the materials in the computational model were first validated. A short description and CAD model of projectiles is also given. Relevant conclusions were reported. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The identification of firearms is of paramount importance for investigating crimes involving firearms, as it establishes the link between a particular firearm and firearm-related elements found at a crime scene, such as projectiles and cartridge cases. This identification relies on the visual comparison of such elements against reference samples from suspect firearms or those existing in databases. Whenever this approach is not possible, the chemical analysis of the gunpowder and gunshot residue can provide additional information that may assist in establishing a link between samples retrieved at a crime scene and those from a suspect or in the identification of the corresponding model and manufacturer of the ammunition used. The most commonly used method for the chemical analysis of gunshot residue is scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray, which focuses on the inorganic elements present in ammunition formulation, particularly heavy metals. However, a change in the legal paradigm is pushing changes in these formulations to remove heavy metals due to their potential for environmental contamination and the health hazards they represent. For this reason, the importance of the analysis of organic compounds is leading to the adoption of a different set of analytical methodologies, mostly based on spectroscopy and chromatography. This manuscript reviews the constitution of primer and gunpowder formulations and the analytical methods currently used for detecting, characterising, and identifying their compounds. In addition, this contribution also explores how the information provided by these methodologies can be used in ammunition identification and how it is driving the development of novel applications within forensic ballistics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An interval optimization method considering tolerance design is proposed to solve the uncertainty optimization problem of interior ballistics of cased telescoped ammunition. Firstly, the interval optimization model of the interior ballistics of the cased telescoped ammunition considering tolerance design is constructed. The interval optimization model of the interior ballistics of the cased telescoped ammunition considering tolerance design under uncertainty is presented. Then, considering the extremely low computational efficiency of the interval uncertain optimization, the back propagation neural network surrogate model is introduced. A series of pareto optimal solution is obtained by using non‐dominated sorting genetic algorithm II. Through the given design scheme, it provides a reference for the optimization of the interior ballistic performance of the cased telescoped ammunition under uncertain condition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Problems of Mechatronics. Armament, Aviation, Safety Engineering / Problemy Mechatroniki. Uzbrojenie, lotnictwo, Inżynieria Bezpieczeństwa is the property of Index Copernicus International and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Problems of Mechatronics. Armament, Aviation, Safety Engineering / Problemy Mechatroniki. Uzbrojenie, lotnictwo, Inżynieria Bezpieczeństwa is the property of Index Copernicus International and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

This paper presents the results of the estimation of the priming mixture force for primers used in 12.7 mm ammunition. The method of estimation is based on the results of pressure measurements in a closed chamber into which the products of the combustion of the priming mixture flowed. The capacity of the chamber was changed by inserting sleeves of various volumes. Another estimation of the force value was performed using the results of earlier investigations in which the chamber was filled with glass balls. The determined values of the force were compared with the values estimated based on the accessible literature data. The obtained estimations of the force value are of the same order of magnitude as the force value of black powder. This justifies the use of black powder characteristics for the assessment of the thermodynamic properties of priming mixture combustion products in interior ballistics calculations. The time of action of the investigated primer was determined using the optical recording of the outflow of the priming mixture combustion products into an open space. To facilitate the interpretation of the results of the experiments, a theoretical model was used. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents the experimental estimation of the ignition pressure value produced by a primer in small arms ammunition. Investigations were performed using a chamber of the capacity equal to the capacity of the 12.7 mm ammunition case. The inner volume of the chamber was adjusted to the free volume in the cartridge by inserting a sleeve or glass balls of a diameter of 2 or 4 mm. The pressure values were measured inside the chamber after the action of the primer. The maximum pressure value was used as an estimation of the ignition pressure value. Depending on the nature of the filling, considerably different values were obtained; they were compared with the values of pressure measured inside the case at the live firing. A considerable difference between the ignition pressure values measured inside the case and those measured in the model setup was detected. Based on these results, a discussion concerning the choice of the starting pressure in interior ballistics lumped parameters models was carried out. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In modern war, the special ammunition launched by mortars contains photoelectric components, which can't bear high overload, so low overload launching is required. This paper creatively conceives the integrated structure of projectile and inverted high-pressure chamber without changing the mortar tube's original structure design. The flow field in the bore is modeled and simulated by using classical interior ballistics and FLUENT, and the difference between the chamber pressure of the inverted high-pressure chamber structure and the traditional structure are analyzed. The simulation results show that the initial motion law of the projectile launched by the inverted high-pressure chamber structure is different from that launched by the original structure. Chamber pressure has two peaks, the peak value decreases by 25 %, the velocity increases by 5 %, and the displacement increases by 60 %. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Forensic reconstructions and ballistic testing requires the use of consistent and repeatable simulants. Synthetic bone has been developed to be mechanically similar to human bone; however, it does not have the same viscoelastic properties. Bone acts as brittle and stiff material and fails instantly under high-energy events such as ballistic impacts. Consequently, bone simulants for use in ballistic testing should show comparable energy deposition to mammalian bones. This study aims to determine if Synbone® flat plates could be a viable proxy for Sus scrofa (domesticus) ribs in ballistic testing with 7.62 × 51 mm Full Metal Jacket ammunition. 5 mm, 6 mm and 12 mm quartered Synbone® plates were embedded into 10% ballistic gelatin and shot using 7.62 mm ammunition. The models were then analysed to compare the Synbone® to a previous Sus Scrofa (domesticus) rib study and focused on energy deposition, the number of fragments within the block, angle of deviation, onset of yaw, the temporary cavity, and the permanent wound channel. No significant difference was seen between the Sus Scrofa (domesticus) and the 5 mm Sybone®. There were significant differences observed between Sus Scrofa (domesticus) ribs and 6 mm Synbone® for the number of fragments, energy deposition and projectile tract diameter, and significant differences seen between Sus scrofa (domesticus) ribs and 12 mm Synbone® for the depth of onset of yaw, energy deposition and projectile tract diameter. This study indicates that the 5 mm Synbone® plate is a suitable proxy for Sus scrofa (domesticus) ribs for use with 7.62 × 51 mm FMJ ammunition in ballistic testing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The above article, published online on 07 February 2023 in Wiley Online Library (wileyonlinelibrary.com) has been retracted by agreement between the authors, the journal Editors, Randall L. Simpson, Wilhelm Eckl, Richard Gee, the International Pyrotechnics Society, and Wiley‐VCH GmbH. The retraction has been agreed due to the corresponding author reaching out to the editorial office to retract the article as they have discovered major data analysis errors that invalidate the conclusions of the paper. The author deeply apologizes for this mistake. [Extracted from the article]

Few firearms have attracted as much attention, curiosity, and mythical attributes as the blunderbuss. Indeed, it often seems that fiction has overwhelmed the facts. To add to the mystery, the literature is conflicting with regard to defining exactly what a blunderbuss is, what it was used for, and how it performed. What is the difference between a blunderbuss and a musketoon? Is the blunderbuss really designed as a weapon of defence using whatever ammunition one might find in the garden? What was the real purpose of the flared bell mouth of the blunderbuss? Despite the extraordinary interest, the many extant examples of blunderbusses found in public and private collections, and the numerous related publications over centuries, it appears that virtually no properly controlled scientific studies have been carried out to address blunderbuss ballistics. Unfortunately, it was not possible for the author to carry out the carefully designed comprehensive experiments required for such a study. Thus, this article is a modest attempt to combine what information is available from some published blunderbuss 'tests', together with the results from more scientific forensic studies of the performance of sawn-off shotguns, and the addition some ballistic science and suggested scaling laws, to improve our understanding of blunderbuss ballistics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper deals with an adaptation of the standard interior ballistics model for the case of amphibious rifle shooting ammunition under water. The adapted mathematical model was validated and experimentally verified using the 5.56 mm underwater projectile shot from the 5.56 mm amphibious rifle. The dependence of the underwater interior ballistic processes on the powder mass was investigated. The results of theoretical mathematic model solution correspond very well with experiment. The described mathematical model and the dependence of the underwater interior ballistic processes on the powder mass can be a reference for designers in the design process of the underwater ammunition or underwater rifle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper describes field test results of 7.62 x 51mm M61 AP (armour piercing) ammunition fired into mild steel targets at an outdoor range. The targets varied from 10mm to 32mm in thickness. The tests recorded penetration depth, probability of perforation (i.e., complete penetration), muzzle and impact velocities, bullet mass, and plate yield strength and hardness. The measured penetration depth exhibited a variability of approximately ±12%. The paper then compared ballistic test results with predictive models of steel penetration depth and thickness to prevent perforation. Statistical parameters were derived for muzzle and impact velocity, bullet mass, plate thickness, plate hardness, and model error. A Monte-Carlo probabilistic analysis was then developed to estimate the probability of plate perforation of 7.62mm M61 AP ammunition for a range of impact velocities, and for mild steels, and High Hardness Armour (HHA) plates. This perforation fragility analysis considered the random variability of impact velocity, bullet mass, plate thickness, plate hardness, and model error. Such a probabilistic analysis allows for reliability-based design, where, for example, the plate thickness with 95% reliability (i.e. only 1 in 20 shots will penetrate the wall) can be estimated knowing the probabilistic distribution of perforation. Hence, it was found that the plate thickness to ensure a low 5% probability of perforation needs to be 11 e15% thicker than required to have a 50/50 chance of perforation for mild steel plates. Plates would need to be 20e30% thicker if probability of perforation is reduced to zero. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the work was to develop a composite consisting of tungsten powder and other metal powders, with the density close to that of lead (11.3 Mg/m3), under laboratory conditions. This material should also meet the requirements for bullet cores. In order to check whether the material developed meets the set requirements, the scope of work included: material development, manufacturing cores of bullets from the produced material, manufacturing cartridges using the above-mentioned cores, conducting ballistics tests involving internal, external and final ballistics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ammunition designers are faced now a day with the tasks of improving muzzle velocity (MV) to achieve required penetration as well as developing gun propellant with minimum variation of ballistics at extremes of temperatures so as to maintain safe chamber pressure of gun. In order to meet the requirement an optimized propellant composition containing RDX, energetic plasticizer, nitrocellulose (NC), cellulose acetate (CA) and additives referred as Enhanced Energy Propellant (EEP) was processed and evaluated theoretically and experimentally. Performance in respect of ballistic parameters (static and dynamic), sensitivity, thermal characteristics, thermal stability and mechanical properties were evaluated and compared with that of the conventional triple base propellant (TBP). Experimental data on comparative study indicated that the newly developed EEP is superior to existing TBP in terms of energy, stability and thermal properties while sustaining the safe chamber pressure of gun. Dynamic firing results show that, EEP requires lower charge mass (7.43 kg) and lesser chamber pressure (459 MPa) to realize MV at par with standard. This illustrates high energy of EEP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The domestic and overseas technical advance about reducing ballistic temperature coefficient of gun propellant charge, including surface compensation technic such as mechanical flattening technology, coating technology, surface coated double base (SCDB) technology, extruded impregnated (El) technology, extruded composite low sensitivity (ECL) technology and so on, were reviewed. The burning rate of low temperature coefficient (LTC) gun propellant can be kept basically consistent at different temperatures by optimizing its configuration, resulting in decreased ballistic temperature coefficient of gun propellant charge. Electrothermal-chemical launch technology can reduce ballistic temperature coefficient of gun propellant charge significantly by adjusting input energy to compensate the decrement of burning rate of gun propellant. Combined with the basic principle of reducing ballistic temperature coefficient of gun propellant charge, the regulatory mechanism of reducing ballistic temperature coefficient of gun propellant charge by using different technological approaches is summarized. Based on the above discussion, the researches on ECL gun propellant and SCDB gun propellant should be carried out in the future. And the research on the interaction mechanism of plasma and gun propellant and the study on the miniaturization of power supply should be further strengthened with 62 references. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With no two gunshot wounds (GSW) being the same, novel research into wound ballistics is challenging. It is evident that the majority of previous wound ballistic research has been conducted without the presence of clothing. Whilst the effect of clothing on wound contamination has been explored, there is a paucity of literature examining the effect of clothing on GSW patterns. The aim of this study was to test the effect of Multi-Terrain Pattern (MTP) UK military clothing on GSW patterns within calibrated blocks of 10% by mass gelatine, using two types of ammunition commonly used in recent conflicts—7.62 × 39 mm and 5.45 × 39 mm. In total, 36 blocks were shot, 18 by each projectile type, further divided into 6 with no clothing layers (Cnil), 6 with a single clothing layer (Cmin) and 6 with maximum clothing layers (Cmax) worn on active duty. Blocks were analysed with high-speed video and dissection to capture measurements of damage, and results compared using analysis of variance (ANOVA). Results showed significantly different damage measurements within blocks with Cmax for both ammunition types compared to the other clothing states. This may result in GSWs that require more extensive surgical management, inviting further study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite continued improvements in gunshot residue (GSR) detection and analysis, there are still challenges in the interpretation of GSR evidence. The level and distribution of GSR present on an individual can be influenced by many factors, dependent upon the context of any given case. Due and diligent attention must therefore be placed upon fate and behaviour processes in relation to GSR when assessing and interpreting any case findings. The distribution of GSR upon the body of a recreational shooter was assessed. Samples were taken from 17 positions across a shooter's body immediately after the discharge of one round of ammunition. The shooting hand prevailed as the most GSR-contaminated area, with as many as 351 characteristic GSR particles identified. The face and supporting hand also exhibited high levels of GSR contamination. This level of contamination raises questions concerning the fate and behaviour of GSR particles within the general environment, specifically with regard to transfer processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Firearm-related exhibits are often found at crime scenes. These exhibits may include the firearm, cartridges, cartridges cases or bullets. As ammunition needs to be handled to load the weapon, regardless of the action or loading type, DNA may be deposited onto the ammunition via touch. As reproducible DNA profiles have been obtained from fired cartridge casings and Improvised Explosive Device (IED) fragments, it is possible that quantifiable amounts of DNA could be recovered from fired bullets. A series of 40 Winchester PowerPoint 22LR 42 grain HP Copper Plated bullets were loaded with serially diluted cell suspensions obtained from a female donor. These were shot into 500 sheet reams of A3 paper for capture and returned to a sterile DNA laboratory for removal, extraction and quantification of DNA. Repeatable partial profiles with five reportable loci pairs consistent with the cell donor were obtained in one replicate of the neat sample. Weak partial profiles were also present in 1:2, 1:5 and 1:10 dilutions. To our knowledge, this is the first reported evidence of DNA surviving the cycle of fire and being recovered from a fired bullet under controlled conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Triple base propellant (TBP) containing mainly nitrocellulose, nitroglycerine, and nitroguanidine has been manufactured and coated with plasticizer in the present work. The aim was to study ballistics of di-butyl phthalate (DBP)-coated TBP. DBP solution in ethanol containing nitrocellulose dope was used for coating onto the propellant grains. DBP-deterred propellant showed inhibition to burning, resulting in lowering the values of ballistic parameters namely peak pressure (Pmax), dPmax, pressure index (α), and burning rate coefficient (β) during closed vessel firing. Increase in percentage of DBP in coating solution led to further decrease in ballistic parameters. Dynamic evaluation of the surface-moderated propellant showed comparatively lower muzzle velocity and chamber pressure for deterred propellant batches without leaving any unburnt particles in gun chamber at subzero temperatures with the lowest possible charge mass. The DBP-coated propellant can be useful in 155-mm artillery gun to achieve higher loading density as it has lower flame temperature and chamber pressure as compared to uncoated propellant which will result in increasing barrel life due to reduction in the barrel erosion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Factors influencing effectiveness of automated comparisons, test‐fired bullets, and cartridge cases from 0.38 Special revolvers were logged into the Evofinder® Ballistic ID System. Tests were performed as follows: First test correlated test‐fires of the same type, second test compared different types of ammunition components, third test replicated the second test in a larger database, and fourth test replicated the third test with students having no previous firearm identification experience. System effectiveness with projectiles in the first test was 0.89. With cartridge cases, effectiveness was 0.79 with combined results, but analysis of separate results by breech face and firing pin revealed low effectiveness by breech face (0.40). In the second, third, and fourth tests, effectiveness with projectiles were 0.61, 0.51, and 0.44. In addition, these tests had effectiveness with cartridge cases equivalent to 0.55, 0.43, and 0.44. Results are useful to establish routine protocols, system improvements, or comparative assessment of other electronic systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A review of the literature concerning the fate and behavior of gunshot residue ( GSR) is presented. A number of concomitant parameters including firearm and ammunition type, plume and GSR material characteristics, travel distances, chemical composition and GSR morphology are critically discussed in relation to their effects on the distribution and deposition, transfer and persistence processes of GSR. The underlying mechanisms associated with such processes are also considered. Knowledge of these processes on GSR materials could provide valuable information concerning scene preservation and subsequent forensic sampling. The number of GSR particles deposited can vary significantly with each firearm discharge, highlighting the potential to produce distinctive data in each individual case. With the continual development and compositional changes of new ammunition types, further evaluation of the effect these processes may have on GSR evidence and their possible influence on the interpretation of the analytical results should be given due consideration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ignition performances of percussion primers for small calibre ammunition are determined using a new experimental setup, with pressure transducers and special designed combustion chambers. The method enables a comparison of new designed primers with consecrated models by relative ignition capacity. Results show that ballistic performances of primers are in direct relationship with the gradient pressure vs. rise time and also with the maximum pressure developed inside the cartridge chamber. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Non-lead hunting rifle bullets were developed to make superior quality ammunition, and the need to reduce lead exposure of wildlife and humans. European and US hunters' concerns about non-lead bullets involve perceptions of availability, costs, efficacy, accuracy, toxicity, and barrel fouling. These concerns are politically powerful and, if not addressed, could thwart greater use of non-lead ammunition. Product availability (i.e. that which is made) of non-lead rifle ammunition in a wide range of calibres is large in Europe and is suited for all European hunting situations. At least 13 major European companies make non-lead bullets for traditional, rare, and novel rifle calibres. Local retail availability is now a function of consumer demand which relates, directly, to legal requirements for use. Costs of non-lead and equivalent lead-core hunting bullets are similar in Europe and pose no barrier to use. Efficacy of non-lead bullets is equal to that of traditional lead-core bullets. Perceptions of reduced accuracy and greater barrel fouling must be addressed by industry and hunter organizations and, if verified, resolved. Non-lead bullets are made in fragmenting and non-fragmenting versions, but there is no advice to hunters yet given on the use of these two bullet types. The non-toxicity of ingested metallic copper, the principal component of non-lead bullets, is scientifically well-established. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Projectile injury represents an estimated 14% of reported animal cruelty cases in the United States. Cases involving projectiles are complicated by gross similarities to other common types of injury, including bite wounds and motor vehicle injuries, by weapons and ammunition not commonly recognized or understood by veterinary medical professionals, and by required expertise beyond that employed in routine postmortem examination. This review describes the common types of projectile injuries encountered within the United States, as well as firearms and ammunition associated with this form of injury. The 3 stages of ballistics—internal, external, and terminal—and wounding capacity are discussed. A general understanding of firearms, ammunition, and ballistics is necessary before pursuing forensic projectile cases. The forensic necropsy is described, including gunshot wound examination, projectile trajectories, different imaging procedures, collection and storage of projectile evidence, and potential advanced techniques for gunpowder analysis. This review presents aspects of projectile injury investigation that must be considered in tandem with standard postmortem practices and procedures to ensure reliable conclusions are reached for medicolegal as well as diagnostic purposes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Riot control agents and expanding bullets are the only two kinds of weapon and ammunition that are used for law enforcement purposes but are explicitly prohibited in the conduct of hostilities. This article justifies this difference in treatment with two arguments. First, riot control agents and expanding bullets have different effects on the human body depending on their specific types and the circumstances in which they are deployed. Second, the issues raised by their use differ according to whether they are employed for law enforcement purposes or in the conduct of hostilities. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The article discusses research updates and trends relating to ballistics technology and ammunition. Topics explored include significant capabilities of the Radically Invasive Projectile (RIP) bullet developed by G2 Research, challenges associated with bullet design such as the Multiple Impact Bullet (MIB) of Advanced Ballistic Concepts, and the definition of common terms relating to ammunition such as hollow point, calibre, and grain.

In practical forensic casework, backspatter recovered from shooters' hands can be an indicator of self-inflicted gunshot wounds to the head. In such cases, backspatter retrieved from inside the barrel indicates that the weapon found at the death scene was involved in causing the injury to the head. However, systematic research on the aspects conditioning presence, amount and specific patterns of backspatter is lacking so far. Herein, a new concept of backspatter investigation is presented, comprising staining technique, weapon and target medium: the 'triple contrast method' was developed, tested and is introduced for experimental backspatter analysis. First, mixtures of various proportions of acrylic paint for optical detection, barium sulphate for radiocontrast imaging in computed tomography and fresh human blood for PCR-based DNA profiling were generated (triple mixture) and tested for DNA quantification and short tandem repeat (STR) typing success. All tested mixtures yielded sufficient DNA that produced full STR profiles suitable for forensic identification. Then, for backspatter analysis, sealed foil bags containing the triple mixture were attached to plastic bottles filled with 10 % ballistic gelatine and covered by a 2-3-mm layer of silicone. To simulate backspatter, close contact shots were fired at these models. Endoscopy of the barrel inside revealed coloured backspatter containing typable DNA and radiographic imaging showed a contrasted bullet path in the gelatine. Cross sections of the gelatine core exhibited cracks and fissures stained by the acrylic paint facilitating wound ballistic analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Lead-free hunting bullets are an alternative to lead-containing bullets which cause health risks for humans and endangered scavenging raptors through lead ingestion. However, doubts concerning the effectiveness of lead-free hunting bullets hinder the wide-spread acceptance in the hunting and wildlife management community. Methods: We performed terminal ballistic experiments under standardized conditions with ballistic soap as surrogate for game animal tissue to characterize dimensionally stable, partially fragmenting, and deforming lead-free bullets and one commonly used lead-containing bullet. The permanent cavities created in soap blocks are used as a measure for the potential wound damage. The soap blocks were imaged using computed tomography to assess the volume and shape of the cavity and the number of fragments. Shots were performed at different impact speeds, covering a realistic shooting range. Using 3D image segmentation, cavity volume, metal fragment count, deflection angle, and depth of maximum damage were determined. Shots were repeated to investigate the reproducibility of ballistic soap experiments. Results: All bullets showed an increasing cavity volume with increasing deposited energy. The dimensionally stable and fragmenting lead-free bullets achieved a constant conversion ratio while the deforming copper and lead-containing bullets showed a ratio, which increases linearly with the total deposited energy. The lead-containing bullet created hundreds of fragments and significantly more fragments than the lead-free bullets. The deflection angle was significantly higher for the dimensionally stable bullet due to its tumbling behavior and was similarly low for the other bullets. The deforming bullets achieved higher reproducibility than the fragmenting and dimensionally stable bullets. Conclusion: The deforming lead-free bullet closely resembled the deforming lead-containing bullet in terms of energy conversion, deflection angle, cavity shape, and reproducibility, showing that similar terminal ballistic behavior can be achieved. Furthermore, the volumetric image processing allowed superior analysis compared to methods that involve cutting of the soap blocks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Internal Security is the property of Police Academy in Szczytno and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Contemporary development of new types of ammunition is focused to improve the energetic characteristics, chemical stability and operational safety of propellants. Response to this requests are low vulnerability (LOVA) propellants. Therefore in Laboratory of Ballistics (Military University of Technology in Warsaw) began to develop a new method of low vulnerability propellants ignition and investigation - a new closed vessel equipped with the capillary plasma generator (CPG). Previous published results of closed vessel investigations indicated that classical primers (electric or percussion with black powder bedding) when used with LOVA propellants causes unstable burning, deflagration or even lack of ignition. Plasma generators, which create higher energy flux, temperature and make possible to control combustion process are possible solution of this problem. In CPG systems plasma generation is obtained by discharge of high power capacitors through low diameter conductors in polyethylene coating (mainly cooper, aluminium and tungsten wires), causing them to explode, generating metallic vapour which still conducts current. After wire explosion plasma causes burning of polyethylene, giving additional energy to plasma cloud. Plasma is vented to vessel causing high energy and heat flux through radiation and metallic vapour condensation. CPG is one of the most reliable ignition sources which make possible a reduction of temperature gradient effect and control combustion process. Comparable test of black powder and plasma ignition in closed vessel with conventional propellant were done. This paper (presented as a poster form) is mainly devoted to initial testing of free air plasma jet and black powder ignition comparable investigation but initial results of laboratory closed vessel tests are shown too. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Forensic analysis of ammunition, bullets, shooting range, functionability of a weapon and the event to prove that a weapon was involved in the crime are central concerns for experts from the field of forensic science - ballistics laboratory. The purpose of the analysis is obtaining answers to the questions sent to the experts by the investigators or even by the court. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents some issues linked tot the crimes related to weapons and ammunition with direct refferences to the laws governing this field in Romania in the context of european integration. These days we have an increasing number of crimes commited with fire weapons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper outlines our research on a multimode warhead in which we adopted center point and annular initiation modes to form multimode penetrators. Using LS-DYNA software, we studied the effect of the configuration parameters, namely the length/diameter ratio of the shaped charge, on the formation parameters, such as the velocity and length/diameter ratio, of multimode penetrators. We found that when the charge length was in the range of 0.9-1.2 times the charge diameter, the same structure of shaped charge can form suitable multimode penetrators. Either an explosively formed penetrator (EFP) or a long stretchy rod-shaped EFP penetrator can be formed. We establish an optimum charge length for penetrator formation of 1.4 times the charge diameter. Simulation results were validated using X-ray imaging experiments and they were in good agreement. The results found that by increasing the charge length from 0.9 to 1.4 times the charge diameter, the penetration depth of the EFP increased by 74.5%, while increasing the charge length from 1.4 to 1.6 times the charge diameter only increased the penetration depth by 1.9%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Projectiles in coil gun usually make one-way movement and move at a very high speed. The device would be fit for the application of oil pumping unit, as long as the projectiles can make reciprocating movement and move slower by adopting proper control methods. At present, during the production process of petroleum, the efficiency of the system is rather low. Energy dissipation takes a considerable ratio in the total cost of oil production. Moreover, beam pumping-unit system suffers from long driving chain, poor flexibility, a quite huge capacity and weight under long length of stroke, and low efficiency. Aiming at the earlier problems, linear electromagnetic oil pumping unit is presented in this paper, which is essentially a multiphase coil launcher. Analysis is made about the advantages and disadvantages of three~phase and multiphase structures, as well as the practical structure. Simulation studies are made; meanwhile, experimental investigations are carried out on a small-scale-model machine system. Further simulation studies of coil launching system are carried through the mechanical and mathematical models of rod string in a sucker-rod pumping-unit system. Theoretical analysis and experimental results verify the feasibility and the validity of the proposed system. Thus, a new path to solve the problem of high energy dissipation in oil production is explored. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Tucson Police Department, Tucson, AZ, has begun using the Polyshok Impact Reactive Projectile (IRP), a new type of shotgun ammunition that includes a lead bead core that travels within single, plastic-encased projectile. On impact, the core is released to distribute over a small area, thereby disintegrating on impact to reduce the likelihood of exit or collateral damage on missed shots. After a brief review of shotgun slug ballistics and wound characteristics and a discussion of the mechanism of the Polyshok IRP, we report the first death in the United States from this ammunition. Findings included a single entrance wound with plastic ammunition components and small lead particles recovered from the body, the combination of which normally would suggest a close-range shooting with birdshot. However, the characteristics of this ammunition create different patterns than are found with slugs or shot, so that a medical examiner unfamiliar with the Polyshok IRP could draw inaccurate conclusions about ammunition and range of fire. Because the single projectile fired from this ammunition is composed of both plastic and lead, plastic components are likely to be found within the wound at any range of fire, unlike traditional shot or slug ammunition. Also, the small size of lead particles found spread through the wound cavity would ordinarily suggest a small-size shot, whereas the external appearance of the wound (a single entrance with no dispersion of shot) and the pattern of tissue destruction are more consistent with the patterns of injury associated with shotgun slugs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of lightweight armour systems for ballistic protection is under continuing attention of the manufacturers and users. A new design of the composite armour systems has been developed and ballistically tested. A new armour system consists of a ceramic plate, an intermediate ceramic–polymer layer and a polymer fibre lining as a backing material. The proposed composite armour systems prepared with a use of specially selected compositions of the intermediate layer promoting the absorption of the kinetic energy of projectiles provide adequate ballistic protection to National Institute of Justice (NIJ) level III and level IV, and they successfully withstand multiple hits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A blank firing pistol is an instrument or device which is designed to use only blank or tear gas cartridges. Neither in blank nor in tear gas cartridges are projectiles used. Unfortunately, this weapon can be easily converted to a lethal firearm by cutting off and changing the barrel. In cases like this, the weapon is less expensive than regularly rifled firearms and no license is needed. Also, in some cases, without any changes they can function like lethal weapons. In this study, using 9 mm blank ammunitions and a blank firing pistol, experimental shots were done. Gunshot residues on both firing hand and cloth target were examined by scanning electron microscope/energy-dispersive x-ray analysis and sodium rhodizonate test, respectively. The results similar to other experiments were done with regular firearms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a study on whether bismuth pellets fragment upon impacting game birds harvested with bismuth shotshell and pose a potential unquantified source of bismuth for people ingesting wild game. During the 1998 spring hunting season, First Nation Cree of the western James Bay region in Canada shot two species of upland game birds with bismuth-tin shotshell as part of their normal harvest. They allowed the salvaging of certain parts of the birds for the present study. Upland game birds were chosen as the study species because the birds are not typically wounded with shotshells in the Western James Bay region. They are easily harvested with shotshell and even ensared on the ground or in the trees.

Conflict damage to heritage has been thrust into the global spotlight during recent conflict in the Middle East. While the use of social media has heightened and enhanced public awareness of this ‘cultural terrorism’, the occurrence of this type of vandalism is not new. In fact, as this study demonstrates, evidence of the active targeting of sites, as well as collateral damage when heritage is caught in crossfire, is widely visible around Europe and further afield. Using a variety of case studies ranging from the 1640s to the 1930s, we illustrate and quantify the changing impact of ballistics on heritage buildings as weaponry and ammunition have increased in both energy and energy density potential. In the first instance, this study highlights the increasing threats to heritage in conflict areas. Second, it argues for the pressing need to quantify and map damage to the stonework in order to respond to these challenges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]