title: Computational Approach to Identify Different Injuries by Firearms.
abstract: Complications arise in the analysis of gunshot wounds to the maxillofacial region, when neither the projectile nor the gun is found at the crime scene. We simulated 5- and 15-cm firing distances at a human mandible to investigate the external morphology of entrance wounds based on fire range. The ammunition models, .40-caliber S&W, .380-caliber, and 9 × 19-mm Luger, were constructed with free-form NURBS surfaces. In a dynamic simulation, projectiles were fired against mandibular body 3D model at 5 and 15 cm. All entrance wounds presented oval aspect. Maximum diameter and von Mises stress values were 16.5 mm and 50.8 MPa, both for .40-caliber S&W fired at 5 cm. The maximum energy loss was 138.4 J for .40 S&W fired at 15 cm. In conclusion, the mandible was most affected by .40-caliber S&W and morphological differences were observable in holes caused by different incoming projectile calibers fired at different distances.
authors.affiliation: Department of Social Dentistry, Forensic Dentistry Division, Piracicaba Dental School, University of Campinas, Piracicaba, São Paulo, Brazil.
authors.forename: Sarah Teixeira
authors.initials: ST
authors.lastname: Costa
authors.affiliation: Department of Morphology, Anatomy Division, Piracicaba Dental School, University of Campinas, Piracicaba, São Paulo, Brazil.
authors.forename: Alexandre Rodrigues
authors.initials: AR
authors.lastname: Freire
authors.affiliation: Department of Morphology, Anatomy Division, Piracicaba Dental School, University of Campinas, Piracicaba, São Paulo, Brazil.
authors.forename: Rodrigo Ivo
authors.initials: RI
authors.lastname: Matoso
authors.affiliation: Department of Social Dentistry, Forensic Dentistry Division, Piracicaba Dental School, University of Campinas, Piracicaba, São Paulo, Brazil.
authors.forename: Eduardo
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Daruge Júnior
authors.affiliation: Department of Morphology, Anatomy Division, Piracicaba Dental School, University of Campinas, Piracicaba, São Paulo, Brazil.
authors.forename: Ana Cláudia
authors.initials: AC
authors.lastname: Rossi
authors.affiliation: Department of Morphology, Anatomy Division, Piracicaba Dental School, University of Campinas, Piracicaba, São Paulo, Brazil.
authors.forename: Felippe Bevilacqua
authors.initials: FB
authors.lastname: Prado
mesh_terms: D003198:Computer Simulation; D020342:Finite Element Analysis; D005389:Firearms; D044709:Forensic Ballistics / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional; D008338:Mandibular Injuries / Q000473:pathology*; D014948:Wounds, Gunshot / Q000473:pathology*
keywords: finite element analysis; forensic ballistics; forensic dentistry; forensic science; gunshot; mandible; wounds