PMID: 8956990Jan 1, 1996Paper

On the physics of momentum in ballistics: can the human body be displaced or knocked down by a small arms projectile?

International Journal of Legal Medicine
B Karger, B P Kneubuehl

Abstract

Shooting incidents are often portrayed as resulting in a sometimes violent backwards displacement of the victim. This opinion is also not infrequently held by expert witnesses. The physical force responsible for this would be momentum (mass x velocity). The physics of momentum in ballistic injury is explained in detail. The maximum momentum transferred from different small arms projectiles including large calibre rifles and a 12-gauge shotgun only results in a backwards motion of a 80 kg target body of 0.01-0.18 m/s, which is negligible compared to the velocity of a pedestrian (1-2 m/s). Furthermore, counterbalance is constantly maintained by neurophysiological reflexes. So the effect of the momentum transferred from the missile is virtually zero and there is no backwards motion of the person shot. Empirical evidence verifying these calculations can be obtained from hunting big game, from human gunshot victims and from a video documentary demonstrating the lack of any backwards motion of a person wearing body armour after hits from a centre fire rifle. So the alleged backwards hurling of a person shot is nothing but a myth which should be refuted not only because it is incorrect but also because it can result in miscarriages of...Continue Reading

References

May 13, 1988·JAMA : the Journal of the American Medical Association·M L Fackler
Aug 1, 1987·The Journal of Surgical Research·M BridgesE A Deitch

❮ Previous
Next ❯

Citations

Dec 20, 2005·International Journal of Legal Medicine·Jean-Sébastien RaulBertrand Ludes
Aug 7, 2008·International Journal of Legal Medicine·Fidelia CasciniDaniela Marchetti
Nov 22, 2008·Dental Traumatology : Official Publication of International Association for Dental Traumatology·Changqun RenShuxia Zhou
May 23, 2007·Journal of Holistic Nursing : Official Journal of the American Holistic Nurses' Association·Mary Anne Hanley, Mary V Fenton
Mar 5, 2016·International Journal of Mental Health Systems·David TierneyDerrick Silove
Jul 21, 2009·Journal of Human Evolution·Steven E ChurchillBrittany R Warren

❮ Previous
Next ❯

Related Concepts

Trending Feeds

COVID-19

Coronaviruses encompass a large family of viruses that cause the common cold as well as more serious diseases, such as the ongoing outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19; formally known as 2019-nCoV). Coronaviruses can spread from animals to humans; symptoms include fever, cough, shortness of breath, and breathing difficulties; in more severe cases, infection can lead to death. This feed covers recent research on COVID-19.

Blastomycosis

Blastomycosis fungal infections spread through inhaling Blastomyces dermatitidis spores. Discover the latest research on blastomycosis fungal infections here.

Nuclear Pore Complex in ALS/FTD

Alterations in nucleocytoplasmic transport, controlled by the nuclear pore complex, may be involved in the pathomechanism underlying multiple neurodegenerative diseases including Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Frontotemporal Dementia. Here is the latest research on the nuclear pore complex in ALS and FTD.

Applications of Molecular Barcoding

The concept of molecular barcoding is that each original DNA or RNA molecule is attached to a unique sequence barcode. Sequence reads having different barcodes represent different original molecules, while sequence reads having the same barcode are results of PCR duplication from one original molecule. Discover the latest research on molecular barcoding here.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Chronic fatigue syndrome is a disease characterized by unexplained disabling fatigue; the pathology of which is incompletely understood. Discover the latest research on chronic fatigue syndrome here.

Evolution of Pluripotency

Pluripotency refers to the ability of a cell to develop into three primary germ cell layers of the embryo. This feed focuses on the mechanisms that underlie the evolution of pluripotency. Here is the latest research.

Position Effect Variegation

Position Effect Variagation occurs when a gene is inactivated due to its positioning near heterochromatic regions within a chromosome. Discover the latest research on Position Effect Variagation here.

STING Receptor Agonists

Stimulator of IFN genes (STING) are a group of transmembrane proteins that are involved in the induction of type I interferon that is important in the innate immune response. The stimulation of STING has been an active area of research in the treatment of cancer and infectious diseases. Here is the latest research on STING receptor agonists.

Microbicide

Microbicides are products that can be applied to vaginal or rectal mucosal surfaces with the goal of preventing, or at least significantly reducing, the transmission of sexually transmitted infections. Here is the latest research on microbicides.

Related Papers

Forensic Science International : Synergy
Geoffroy Lorin de la GrandmaisonMichel Durigon
Australian Endodontic Journal : the Journal of the Australian Society of Endodontology Inc
Leo Tjäderhane
International Journal of Legal Medicine
A Vesterby, L W Poulsen
The Journal of Trauma
Joseph L SmithEugene J Lengerich
The American Journal of Forensic Medicine and Pathology
Lucien C Haag
© 2021 Meta ULC. All rights reserved