Journal of Forensic Biomechanics

Abstrait

Method to Investigate Contusion Mechanics in Living Humans

Geoffrey T. Desmoulin, and Gail S. Anderson.

The method utilizes equipment designed to determine variables, which influence bruising mechanics in living human subjects. The device allows weights to be dropped in a controlled manner onto an impactor lying on the skin surface to measure and analyze bruise mechanics. Measured impact characteristics included peak force, peak pressure, impact displacement, tissue stiffness, impact velocity, pressure impulse, force impulse, kinetic energy and the energy transmitted through the limb. Using kinetic energy, transmitted energy and area in contact with the skin we estimated energy absorbed by the limb and energy density (J/m2). Only energy absorbed by the limb varied significantly according to logistic regression in the subject that was tested and could therefore be used to determine contusion tolerance in that specific case. Hence, the method may be used to determine mechanical parameters required by a striking implement to induce contusions in a particular individual during crime scene reconstructions.