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Bloodstain Pattern Analysis CSAAPT

Modern Application for Introductory Physics: Bloodstain Pattern Analysis discusses how physics concepts can be applied to analyze bloodstain patterns at crime scenes. It describes different types of bloodstains and how the size and shape of projected bloodstains depends on the impact angle and velocity. Reconstructing the origin of bloodstains uses physics equations like relating impact angle to stain shape, but approximations are needed due to factors like gravity and air resistance not being accounted for in simple models. More accurate analysis requires specialized models and methods.

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157 views26 pages

Bloodstain Pattern Analysis CSAAPT

Modern Application for Introductory Physics: Bloodstain Pattern Analysis discusses how physics concepts can be applied to analyze bloodstain patterns at crime scenes. It describes different types of bloodstains and how the size and shape of projected bloodstains depends on the impact angle and velocity. Reconstructing the origin of bloodstains uses physics equations like relating impact angle to stain shape, but approximations are needed due to factors like gravity and air resistance not being accounted for in simple models. More accurate analysis requires specialized models and methods.

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alisentrk
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Modern Application for Introductory Physics: Bloodstain Pattern Analysis

John Eric Goff Lynchburg College

New Field of Interest: Forensic Science

Television shows and movies influence student interests. Forensic Science courses, minors, and majors are springing up around the country. (New course here at LC!) Watch for some very BAD science on TV and in movies!

Forensic Science is VERY Interdisciplinary!!!


Biology Chemistry Physics Mathematics Law Psychology Sociology Biochemistry Biophysics Physical Chemistry Environmental Science Handwriting Medicine Hobbies???

I got help with this talk!


http://www.bloodspatter.com/ (The tutorial is great! However, beware of some poor physics in a few places!)

Bloodstain Patterns
Physical Evidence Usually Found at Violent Crime Scenes Gives Clues as to WHAT Happened May Suggest Sequence of Events Analysis MUST be placed in context of all aspects of crime scene investigation in order to reconstruct (possible) criminal events.

Different Types of Bloodstain Patterns


Passive Bloodstains (drops, pools, etc.) Transfer Bloodstains (wipe a weapon, etc.) Active (or Projected) Bloodstains (bullets, stepping in blood, etc.)

Active (or Projected) Bloodstains


Rule of Thumb: As impact angle goes down, bloodstain shape becomes more elongated.

Active (or Projected) Bloodstains


Impact Spatter Blood source is smacked in some way and drops fly off in various directions. Divide category further by bloods impact speed.

Low Velocity
velocity 5 ft/s stain size is (relatively) large: diameter 4mm examples: blood drops into blood and footstep spatters

Medium Velocity
5 ft/s velocity 25 ft/s stain size : 1 mm diameter 4mm examples: blood flicked off finger and blunt object used on victim

High Velocity
velocity 100 ft/s ( 68 mph) stain size (relatively small): diameter 1mm examples: gunshots and propellers

Time for Physics!

Big Forensic Science Question: From where did the blood come???

one exception!

tail points in direction of travel

sin = W / L

W L What does W = L mean? sin = 1 = 90 Drop is a circle!

Real World!
What if blood drop is not a pretty oval?!?

Do the best you can!!!

Physics and Math


Work backwards from blood spatter to determine launch position of blood. BE AWARE of all approximations that are used in analysis! (This is a great example for teaching students about approximations in physics.)

Look for Convergence!

Real Crime Scene

Get Computer Help (Software is available!)

Notice the top view!

Big Problem!!!

Neither blood nor anything else

travels unaided in a straight line through the air!

Example
Consider medium velocity blood drop of diameter 3 mm launched at a position 1 m off the ground. Numbers: v = 20 ft/s (6 m/s) & = -10
parallel to ground

= -10
1m ground

v = 20 ft/s

What about gravity???

What about air resistance??? (Drops speed and size are needed. Tough to know!)

What about gravity???

Moral of the Story


Calculation using straight-line trajectory (no gravity and no air resistance) predicts a launch point higher than actual point. Straight-line trajectory is reasonable for high launch velocities and/or stain and launch points close together. (The idea is to keep the flight time as short as possible.) More accuracy requires a better model and more specialized work.

Forensic Science Literature


The Directional Analysis of Bloodstain Patterns: Theory and Experimental Validation by A. L. Carter Therefore, the best one can do here is to estimate an upper limit for the height of the source. (p. 181)
Can. Soc. Forens. Sci. J. Vol. 34. No. 4 (2001) pp. 173-189

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