NCJ Number
85623
Journal
Zeitschrift fuer Rechtsmedizin Volume: 87 Issue: 1-2 Dated: (August 1981) Pages: 35-40
Date Published
1981
Length
6 pages
Annotation
A German study of graze shots without bullet contact found trace residues not yet described in the literature on ballistic evidence.
Abstract
Shots from several heights and distances were performed nearly tangentially on stretched elastic bandages. Shots from short distances produced soot stripes transverse to the shot direction within the picture of partially combusted and uncombusted powder residues upon the elastic bandages. The phenomenon of getting reproducible stripes within the graze shot effects was studied by photos taken by a high speed camera (nearly 4,000 and 7,000 pictures per second). Just when the shot broke off, stationary waves were inflicted within the elastic surface by the shot streams. The white stripes within the graze shot effects were in the shot stream shadow when the hot powder gas and uncombusted residues went over the elastic bandages. The physical and theoretical aspects of the phenomenon are explained and a concrete case, i.e., characteristics of a skin wound, demonstrated. The investigation of graze shot effects is a new possibility for determining short shot distances. Diagrams, photos, and a 21-item bibliography are provided. (Author summary modified)