A finite element model investigation of gunshot injury

Authors: Raul, Jean-Sébastien¹; Deck, Caroline; Meyer, Franck; Geraut, Annie; Willinger, Rémy; Ludes, Bertrand

Source: International Journal of Legal Medicine, Volume 121, Number 2, March 2007 , pp. 143-146(4)

Publisher: Springer

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Abstract:

Multiple gunshot suicide can be a controversial subject mainly because of wrong opinions concerning immediate incapacitation or alleged backwards hurling. For the last 20 years, experts in medicine and physics have tried to demonstrate what really happens during a gunshot wound. Different methods have been used to achieve this aim such as basic physics or the use of empirical evidence. In this paper, using a finite element model of the human head, we demonstrate that no incapacitation or backwards hurling can occur from a gunshot fired between the eyes which did not enter the cerebrum.

Keywords: Forensic science; Human head; Biomechanics of impact; Finite elements; Suicide

Document Type: Research article

DOI: 10.1007/s00414-005-0070-x

Affiliations: 1: Email: Jean-Sebastien.Raul@iml-ulp.u-strasbg.fr

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