Research on a method for capturing bullets with limited deformation for forensic comparative examination

Abstract

There are currently no solutions that could be effectively used for stopping a wide range of non-full metal jacket bullets without deformation. The paper presents research on the elaboration of a novel solution in the form of a material system combining composite and fluid. It contains a demonstration of the results proving its effectiveness and an analysis of the solutions of bullet traps currently used in forensic laboratories, as well as the system based on a composite structure proposed for the current needs. The experimental tests and the numerical simulations of bullet impact into water, with a nominal velocity, are described. The critical value of impact velocity ��_cr (which does not cause deformation of the bullet) was found numerically. The composite reducing bullet velocity to ��_cr was prepared and tested. With the use of the composite and plasticine, a monolithic hollow point 9 mm GECO Action Extreme bullet was decelerated and slowly stopped in such a manner as not to cause bullet deformation. The proposed method could therefore be used to capture non-full metal jacket bullets in a form facilitating the determination of whether the given weapon was used to fire a projectile of the same type as the one found at the crime scene.