Ballistics of Gunshot Wounds
Chapter
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Abstract
Wound ballistics is the study of the wounding mechanism of missiles with sufficient kinetic energy to penetrate a living target. Damage is a function of energy transmitted, which in turn depends on a complex interaction of the projectile’s specificities and the tissue characteristics. In order to provide a clear understanding of the wounding mechanism, we hereby discuss the construct of firearms, characteristics of the living tissues, biodynamics of projectiles, as well as tissue-projectile interaction.
Keywords
Ballistics Gunshot wound Firearms Bullets Missiles Kinetic energy Penetrating trauma Projectiles Biodynamics ShrapnelReferences
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