title: Skin penetration surrogate for the evaluation of less lethal kinetic energy munitions.
abstract: Although the benefits of the use of less lethal kinetic energy munitions are numerous, there is a need to evaluate the munitions prior to deployment to ensure their intended effect. The objective of the current research was to validate a surrogate that could be used to predict the risk of penetration of these devices. Existing data from biomechanical testing with post-mortem human specimens (PMHS) served as the foundation for this research. Development of the surrogate involved simulating the various layers of the skin and underlying soft tissues using a combination of materials. A standardized 12-gauge impactor was used to assess each combination. The energy density that resulted in a 50% risk of penetration for the anterior thorax region (23.99 J/cm(2)) from the previous research was matched using a specific combination of layers. Twelve various combinations of materials were tested with the 50% risk of penetration determined. The final validated surrogate consisted of a Laceration Assessment Layer (LAL) of natural chamois and .6 cm of closed-cell foam over a Penetration Assessment Layer (PAL) of 20% ordnance gelatin. This surrogate predicted a 50% risk of penetration at 23.88 J/cm(2). Injury risk curves for the PMHS and surrogate development work are presented.
authors.affiliation: Wayne State University, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Detroit, MI 48201, USA. cbir@wayne.edu
authors.forename: Cynthia A
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: Bir
authors.forename: Marianne
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Resslar
authors.forename: Shelby
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Stewart
mesh_terms: D044709:Forensic Ballistics; D005780:Gelatin; D006801:Humans; D007700:Kinetics; D016015:Logistic Models; D008954:Models, Biological; D012408:Rubber; D054041:Weapons
chemical_list: D005780:Gelatin; D012408:Rubber