Penetrating chest trauma caused by a blank cartridge actuated rubber ball projectile: case presentation and ballistic investigation of an uncommon weapon type.
Int J Legal Med
; 131(5): 1307-1312, 2017 Sep.
Article
em En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-28536882
ABSTRACT
Recently, an increasing number of an uncommon weapon type based on a caliber 6-mm Flobert blank cartridge actuated revolver which discharges 10-mm-diameter rubber ball projectiles has been confiscated by police authorities following criminal offenses. A recent trauma case presenting with a penetrating chest injury occasioned an investigation into the basic ballistic parameters of this type of weapon. Kinetic energy E of the test projectiles was calculated between 5.8 and 12.5 J. Energy density ED of the test projectiles was close to or higher than the threshold energy density of human skin. It can be concluded that penetrating skin injuries due to free-flying rubber ball projectiles discharged at close range cannot be ruled out. However, in case of a contact shot, the main injury potential of this weapon type must be attributed to the high energy density of the muzzle gas jet which may, similar to well-known gas or alarm weapons, cause life-threatening or even lethal injuries.
Palavras-chave
Texto completo:
1
Coleções:
01-internacional
Base de dados:
MEDLINE
Assunto principal:
Borracha
/
Traumatismos Torácicos
/
Ferimentos por Arma de Fogo
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Balística Forense
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Corpos Estranhos
Limite:
Adult
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Humans
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Male
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Int J Legal Med
Assunto da revista:
JURISPRUDENCIA
Ano de publicação:
2017
Tipo de documento:
Article
País de afiliação:
Alemanha