[A human body simulator as an input parameter of ballistic experiment]

[Determination of the transfer of composite obstacle material by a gunshot projectile]

The aim of the experimental study was to establish the transfer of obstacle's composite material (foamed concrete, magnesite concrete, porcelain stoneware, galvanized sheet steel, wood particle board) by the gunshot projectile on firing by rounds sized 5.45´39 from the special shortened Kalashnikov assault rifle (AKS-74U). The shots were fired through various types of obstacles on different parts of animal carcasses from a distance of 3-5 m. Bullets and their fragments, extracted from the bullet trap or the biological target tissue, after appropriate processing were studied by «Leika M125» microscope, «Hitachi FlexSem1000 II» scanning electronic microscope and «Bruker Quantax 80» energy-dispersive X-Ray spectrometer. The conducted light microscopy of gunshot projectiles' fragments, which had overcome the obstacle, revealed the presence of a specific deformation of the bullet head at its penetration of each type of investigated obstacles. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive X-Ray analysis (EDX) have revealed in each case the presence of obstacle particles overlaying over the entire surface of either deformed bullets or their fragments. The performed experimental study has shown that it is possible to establish the fact of person's gunshot injury through a composite obstacle by the use of SEM/EDX.

[Effect of the target type on the characteristics of gunshot injuries resulting from bullet and shrapnel ricochet]

The study objective is to establish the effect of the type of experimental target (biological, non-biological) on the forensic medical characteristics of gunshot injuries resulting from bullet and shrapnel ricochet when fired from a smooth-bore weapon. Differences in the skin and clothing or their imitators render different morphological patterns of the input gunshot injuries. Based on the results of the ballistic experiment, a list of statistically significant differences in the qualitative and quantitative characteristics of the input gunshot injuries to biological and non-biological targets as a result of a ricochet when a bullet is fired from a smooth-bore weapon was compiled. In addition, the characteristics of the input gunshot injuries were established, demonstrating statistically significant differences only in certain combinations of the specified types of bullet and experimental target. The results obtained can be used in medical forensic examinations of gunshot injuries.