Role of Interface Shape on the Impact Characteristics and Cranial Fracture Patterns Using the Immature Porcine Head Model

• NCJ Number: 249898
• Journal: Journal of Forensic Sciences Dated: September 2016 Pages: Online
• Date Published: September 2016
• Author(s): P. E. Vaughan; C. C. M. Vogelsberg
• Length: 0 pages
• Grant Number(s): 2011-DN-BX-K540
• Agencies: NIJ-Sponsored
• Publication Type: Research (Applied/Empirical); Report (Study/Research); Report (Grant Sponsored)

Annotation

This study documented impact biomechanics and fracture characteristics of infant porcine skulls dropped onto flat, curved, edged, and focal surfaces.

Abstract

Results showed that the energy needed for fracture initiation was nearly four times higher against a flat surface than against the other surfaces. Although characteristic measures of fracture, such as number and length of fractures, did not vary with impact surface shape, the fracture patterns did depend on impact surface shape. Experimental impacts against the flat surface produced linear fractures initiating at sutural boundaries peripheral to the point of impact (POI); however, more focal impacts produced depressed fractures initiating at the POI. These findings support the case-based forensic literature that suggests cranial fracture patterns depend on impact surface shape and that fracture initiation energy is lower for more focal impacts. (Publisher abstract modified)