NCJ Number
228180
Journal
Canadian Society of Forensic Science Journal Volume: 42 Issue: 2 Dated: June 2009 Pages: 133-146
Date Published
June 2009
Length
14 pages
Annotation
This study examined small bloodstains resulting from impact spatter to compare experimental angle of impact calculation trends with angle of impact calculation theory.
Abstract
The study found that an apparent power law relationship may exist between the size of a parent blood droplet and the role of viscous and surface tension forces on subsequent bloodstain formation, particularly on those bloodstains caused by small droplets impacting obliquely with planar surfaces. Data were collected and measured using computer generated measuring systems, and compared to identical tests on larger droplets. This two part study examined small bloodstains using angle calculation theory using vertical droplets on inclined surfaces in part one, and experimentally generated impact spattered droplets in part two. The study concludes that until further research is conducted, caution should be exercised on the use of small droplets for blood source area of origin determinations. Tables, figures, and references