Velocity necessary for a BB to penetrate the eye: an experimental study using pig eyes.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the V-50 threshold velocity needed for a steel BB to penetrate the eye of a 230-pound pig.


METHODS
BBs were shot at a distance of 10 feet into the corneas of pig eyes with a pump-action BB gun.


RESULTS
The V-50 velocity for corneal penetration and serious disruption of the eye was found to be 246 ft/sec.


CONCLUSIONS
Due to the nearly identical size and anatomy of the human eye to the pig eyes used in this study, it is felt that 246 ft/sec is a reasonable approximation of the velocity needed to penetrate the human eye.
Powley
Kramer D
KD
Forensic Laboratory, Royal Canadian Mounted Police, Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada.
Dahlstrom
Dean B
DB
Atkins
Valerie J
VJ
Fackler
Martin L
ML
D000818:Animals; D005131:Eye Injuries / Q000473:pathology*; D044709:Forensic Ballistics; D023421:Models, Animal; D013552:Swine; D014948:Wounds, Gunshot / Q000473:pathology*