AFTE Store - Validation of Fracture Matching Through the Microscopic Examination of the Fractured Surfaces of Hacksaw Blades

During a fracture, an object separates into two or more parts; fracture matching is the association of those surfaces to each other. Forensic fracture matching relies on the principle that no two objects fracture identically. The authors hope to further support this principle by studying the topography of fractured hacksaw blades. Two consecutively manufactured hacksaw blades were each fractured eleven times and inter-compared. Two hundred fifty-three topographical comparisons were conducted between 44 fractured edges; each fracture produced two surfaces discernable from any other. In addition, a series of proficiency style tests were made from consecutively manufactured blades and sent to participants throughout the United States and abroad. A total of 66 answer sheets were returned, providing 330 test results for evaluation.