Abstract
This thesis addresses the problems with the current proxies and models used by forensic scientists to conduct ballistic recreations and studies for cranial trauma. For the past twenty years the majority of ballistic recreations have been focused on using Polyurethane Bone Substitutes (PBS) for the human crania and rubber as an analog for human skin. Although this model is sufficient for recreations, it lacks the viscoelastic nature of bone and skin. To address this problem Bos taurus (cow) scapulae and Sus scrofa (pig) skin have been incorporated into this study to add an organic element into ballistic recreations. In order to incorporate these organic medians a comprehensive study was conducted to determine if Bos taurus scapulae were a suitable proxy to the human crania by conducting an in-depth Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DEXA) study to ascertain if the scapulae were indeed similar in density, thickness, and composition to human crania. After confirming the cow scapulae fall within the above parameters for human crania, an inclusive ballistic study was undertaken where the scapulae were shot with multiple calibres and recorded both macroscopically and microscopically, including Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). The Sus scrofa skin model was then used to recreate executions using military grade rifles and the model was validated using Computed Tomography (CT) to recreate a suspicious suicide. Future testing of Synbone® and Bos taurus scapulae is warranted due to the findings of this comprehensive study.