A combined cowhide/gelatine soft tissue simulant for ballistic studies

The ballistic resistance of a combined soft tissue simulant was studied, consisting of gelatine as a simulant for human muscle tissue and tanned cowhide (leather) as a simulant for human skin. The simulant was manufactured by applying cowhide to liquid ballistic gelatine, as the gelatine solidified in its mould. Combining a skin and muscle tissue simulant in this adhered way opens the possibility to produce purpose-built proxies for human body parts in ballistic studies or for forensic shooting incident reconstructions. Ballistic resistance of adhered cowhide - (bonded) to solidifying ballistic gelatine - was compared to that of the same material applied on gelatine blocks in loose condition. Ballistic resistance of tanned cowhide was found to be more consistent in adhered condition. This enhanced consistency is a benefit, increasing re-producibility of results in ballistic studies. Additionally, two ways to assess ballistic resistance of a skin simulant were described and compared. Logistic regression, from a number of measured velocities and associated (non)perforations is recommended for testing ballistic resistance.(c) 2022 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

The ballistic resistance of a combined soft tissue simulant consisting of gelatine and tanned cowhide was studied. Adhering cowhide to solidifying ballistic gelatine resulted in enhanced consistency of the ballistic resistance. Two methods to assess the ballistic resistance of a skin simulant were described and compared.