NCJ Number
132202
Journal
Canadian Society of Forensic Science Journal Volume: 24 Issue: 2 Dated: (June 1991) Pages: 79-90
Date Published
1991
Length
12 pages
Annotation
The mechanics of backward glass fragmentation were studied in order to better understand the phenomena and to provide background data on glass evidence for use in burglary court cases.
Abstract
The experiments assessed the distribution of glass on a grid on the floor in front of a windowpane and to two nearby individuals after backward fragmentation. The size distribution of glass fragments and the relationship between glass fragments originating from the back surface, the front surface, and the core of a window pane were determined. The results showed that 86 percent of recovered fragments were located on the grid at a point directly below the frame and about 90 percent of the fragments on each grid located on the first row ranged in size between 0.15-0.85 millimeters. As the distance increased, the total quantity of fragments decreased by a factor of 4-5 for every 45 centimeter increment. The assessment of surface and core glass fragment distribution showed a direct relationship between the size of the fragment and the likelihood of it having a surface representation. Finding of the majority of glass particles on a shirt and jacket of the two subjects indicated the height of the window and projection of particles with applied force. These results provide the crime scene investigator with a means of placing the suspect on one side or the other side of the glass at the time of a break in. 10 tables, 1 figures, and 9 references (Author abstract modified)