Prediction of flyrock trajectories for forensic applications using ballistic flight equations

Abstract

The paper presents a method for determination of the maximum throw of flyrock fragments and the estimation of safe distances. The method is based upon formulation and solution of differential equations of ballistic flight of the flyrock fragments. The equations are formulated according to Newton's law of motion. Two possible solutions are presented, an approximate numerical solution and the application of the Runge–Kutta algorithm of the fourth order. As an illustration of the presented method a post-accidental forensic analysis case study is given describing the procedure for determination of the input parameters (especially the launch velocity).