Wound ballistics

Coates, J. B., Wound Ballistics, Office of the Surgeon General, Department of the Army, 1962. 

The degree of twist in a modem rifle is generally just about the minimum that will produce stability in a bullet passing thru an atmosphere of a density corresponding to a temperature of zero degrees centigrade. This is to ensure that entry into a denser medium — i.e. the target — will produce complete instability, which is a desired criterion for wound baLlistics... 

Wound ballistics is the study of the effects of projectiles in the human body. It is therefore basic to the understanding of the wounding effects of both bullets and fragments, which between them cause over 90% of combat casualties in conventional warfare (Ref 1)... 

In recent years, bullet design has been concerned not only with exterior ballistics and accuracy, but wound effect. Designers, for the first time, have had at their disposal the benefit of specific research into wound ballistics. Some of the solutions offered are shown below, often in conjunction with the weapon solutions already referred to... 

Short of actual war, the theory of wound ballistic development is often difficult to prove completely, since only in war can the full effect of new designs be seen on the casualties caused. Most of the proof of designs so far considered (with the exception of the 5.56mm M193) has been carried out with artificial media, or sometimes with dead or drugged animals. Neither artifical media, nor animals can completely re-... 

Refs 1) Anon, Projectile Wounds and Wound Ballistics in Anti-Personnel Weapons , Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, Crane, Russak Co, NY (1978), 53—76 2) J. Weeks, Ed, Jane s Infantry Weapons, 1979-1980 , 5th Ed, Franklin Watts, NY (1979), 320-22... 

Similarly, the problem of the human target extends far beyond the consideration of the effect of one round delivered against an enemy soldier. Incapacitation of enemy troops requires wound ballistic studies which include vulnerability of the human body effects of body armor and armament of friendly troops in terms of weight of principal weapon, weight of ammo carried, weapon accuracy, training time required to reach proficiency with the weapon, and logistical requirements... 

There is a wide range of firearms, and the choice of ammunition available presents a very large number of gun/ammunition combinations. The reason for such a variety of projectiles encompasses internal and external ballistics, nature of target, and wound ballistics, all of which are beyond the scope of this text. 

Ayers, K.M. and Stahl, C.J. Ballistic characteristics and wounding effects of a tear gas pen gun loaded with o-chlorobenzalmalononitrlle. J. Forensic Sci. 17 292-297, 1972. 

Alleghany Ballistic Laboratory found that casting grains in convolute-wound or extruded beakers is quite satisfactory. In the spiral wrapping process they had to use solvent-type adhesives, but would prefer to use a nonsolvent type... 

Ayers KM and Stahl CJ (1972). Ballistic characteristics of wounding effects of tear gas gun loaded with ortho-chlorobenzalmalononitrile. J Forens Sci, 17, 292-297. 

The proposed end applications of Kevlar (Yang, 1989) and related fibers include ballistic and fire protective apparel, hard armors, reinforced tires and rubber goods, various forms of composites, filament wound pressure vessels, marine ropes, optical cables and industrial gloves. Almost all of them utilize the high tensile properties and high heat-resistance. 

Farjo LA, Miclau T. Ballistics and Mechanisms of Tissue Wounding, Injury 1997 28 12-7. Roberts JC, Biermaim PJ, O Connor JV, Ward EE, Cain RP, Catkhuff BG, et al. Modeling nonpenetration ballistic impact on a human torso. J Hopkins APL Tech Dig 2005 26 84-92. 

Most of the chapters in this volume relate to specific functions from ballistic protection to transportation. In contrast to this, ropes and cordage are found in a wide variety of human activities from mooring oil rigs to tying up a parcel. Ropes and cords have an amazing diversity of uses as one-dimensional tension textiles. Inevitably, not all have been mentioned. Rescue ropes for many situations, sewing up wounds, ski tow ropes. 

Ronald E Bellamy and Russ Zajtchuk, eds.. Textbook of Military Medicine, Part I, Vol. 5, Conventional Warfare Ballistic, Blast and Burn Injuries (Washington, DC Walter Reed Army Medical Center 1990) p. 49. Copper sulfate is no longer recommended for treating wounds contaminated with white phosphorus. Ibid, p. 340. 

ManufactutBd by Continuous Metal Technology and sold exclusively through Ballistic Products, ITX is a tungsten-based cast pellet designed for density and softness similar to lead, only nontoxic. It is soft enough to cmsh with pliers. Like lead and bismuth, ITX registers below 27.0 on the Rockwell C scale of hardness. Each individual pellet is a spherically formed projectile with a midband that enhances lethal wound channels, says Ballistic Products. 

Ballistic tip bullets (rapid expansion) had the highest fragmentation rate 141 fragments 11 inches from the wound channel. In one carcass, a fragment was found 14 inches from the exit wound. ... 

Cut-away of a Barnes MRX 4x4 copper bullet and a bullet after firing Into ballistic gel with the four wide petals open. The purpose of the petals is to create a wider wound channel and to ensure delivery of maximum energy to a target. 

By the basic ballistic principles discussed elsewhere, one can expect a significant pattern of secondary injury from a suicide blast. Of particular importance is the risk of casualties sustaining missile wounds from biological material originating from either the bomber or another victim. 

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