AFTE Store - The Determination of the Bullet Velocity After Ricochet Using Computer Modeling

During the investigation of a hunting accident in which one of the hunters was shot, the possibility of a ricochet was considered. In order to determine this, additional ballistic investigations were required. Due to the complexity of the ricochet problem it is difficult to solve it with the existing analytical methods of forensic ballistics. The experimental method to determine the ballistic characteristics of a bullet after a ricochet is a long process. The end results can be ambiguous. The methods of calculation do not allow accurate data about the bullet trajectory and its energy characteristics to be obtained. The combination of these methods with the method of computer modeling of the physical processes proves to be most effective. This combination makes it possible to conduct an objective investigation and receive reliable data about the
aerodynamic characteristics of a destabilized or a tumbled bullet after ricochet. This paper discusses the use of a computer
modeling method which allows examiners to avoid complicated experiments and saves them time and effort in the process
of a forensic investigation.

Full Journal: AFTE Journal Vol 52 No 2 (2020)