Forensic characteristics of damage caused by spherical striking elements of guided multiple-launch rocket system for multiple-launch rocket system type of ammunition

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Forensic aspects of blast injuries caused by the damaging elements of guided multiple-launch rocket system (GMLRS) type for MLRS ammunition are currently of particular interest because of the high frequency of occurrence and the lack of diagnostic criteria. AIM: To study the morphological features of injuries caused by spherical impactors of GMLRS-type ammunition for MLRS in conjunction with electron microscopy and elemental analysis of impactors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was conducted using visual, metric methods, X-ray examination, and scanning electron microscopy (Hitachi FlexSem1000 II scanning electron microscope) with energy-dispersive X-ray analysis (Bruker Quantax 80 energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometer). RESULTS: The morphological features of injuries caused by the damaging elements of GMLRS-type ammunition for MLRS were analyzed. Scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive analysis made it possible to identify the characteristic chemical composition of the damaging elements. X-ray examination of corpses revealed characteristic round shadows of metallic density. CONCLUSION: The established morphological features of external and internal injuries caused by spherical damaging elements of GMLRS-type ammunition for MLRS, in combination with electron microscopy and elemental analysis, make it possible to establish, with high reliability, damage to the human body caused by the striking elements of the specified type of ammunition.