The mechanics of stab wounding

Jones, S.; Nokes, L.; Leadbeatter, S.

Affiliations

¹Medical Systems Engineering Research Unit, ELSYM, University of Wales, College of Cardiff, PO Box 917, Cardiff CF2 LXH, UK

²Wales Institute of Forensic Medicine, Cardiff Royal Infirmary, Newport Road, Cardiff, UK

Abstract and keywords

The dynamics of stab wounds were investigated using a load cell connected to microcomputer-based measuring equipment. Two types of knife blade were attached to the load cell to assess the characteristics of stab wounds caused in pig tissue. The results show that as the blade progresses through the tissue it is resisted mostly by the skin, but a significant secondary resistance exists in the deeper muscle layers

Keywords: Stab wounds; Microcomputer; Pig tissue; Secondary resistance; Mechanics

Links

DOI: 10.1016/0379-0738(94)90413-8

PubMed: 8082862

WoS: A1994PC66500009

History

Received: 1994-02-09

Accepted: 1994-02-24

Online: 2004-04-10

Cited Works (2)

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Cited By (20)

Year	Entry
2016	Bolliger SA, Kneubuehl BP, Thali MJ, Eggert S, Siegenthaler L. Stabbing energy and force required for pocket-knives to pierce ribs. Forensic Sci Med Pathol. December 2016;12(4):394-398.
2004	Davison AM. The incised wound. In: Rutty GN, ed. Essentials of Autopsy Practice: Recent Advances, Topics and Developments. London: Springer-Verlag; 2004:187-220.
2005	Horsfall I, Watson C, Champion S, Prosser P, Ringrose T. The effect of knife handle shape on stabbing performance. Appl Ergon. July 2005;36(4):505-511.
1999	Horsfall I, Prosser PD, Watson CH, Champion SM. An assessment of human performance in stabbing. Forensic Sci Int. June 28, 1999;102(2-3):79-89.
1999	O’Callaghan PT, Jones MD, James DS, Leadbeatter S, Holt CA, Nokes LDM. Dynamics of stab wounds: force required for penetration of various cadaveric human tissues. Forensic Sci Int. October 1999;104(2-3):173-178.
1999	Chadwick EKJ, Nicol AC, Lane JV, Gray TGF. Biomechanics of knife stab attacks. Forensic Sci Int. November 25, 1999;105(1):35-44.
2008	Gilchrist MD, Keenan S, Curtis M, Cassidy M, Byrne G, Destrade M. Measuring knife stab penetration into skin simulant using a novel biaxial tension device. Forensic Sci Int. May 2, 2008;177(1):52-65.
2011	Carr DJ, Wainwright A. Variability of simulants used in recreating stab events. Forensic Sci Int. July 15, 2011;210(1-3):42-46.
2013	Ní Annaidh A, Cassidy M, Curtis M, Destrade M, Gilchrist MD. A combined experimental and numerical study of stab-penetration forces. Forensic Sci Int. December 10, 2013;233(1-3):7-13.
2021	Waltenberger L, Beitel S, Benecker B, Heimel P, Weninger W, Kanz F. A histological comparison of non-human rib models suited for sharp force trauma analysis. Forensic Sci Int. February 2021;319:110661.
2012	Parmar K, Hainsworth SV, Rutty GN. Quantification of forces required for stabbing with screwdrivers and other blunter instruments. Int J Legal Med. January 2012;126(1):43-53.
2018	Nolan G, Hainsworth SV, Rutty GN. Forces generated in stabbing attacks: an evaluation of the utility of the mild, moderate and severe scale. Int J Legal Med. January 2018;132(1):229-236.
2020	Bolliger SA, Wallace E, Dobay A, Knaute DF, Thali MJ, Barrera V. The cutting edge: an investigation into the pressure necessary for cutting skin with different knife blade types. Int J Legal Med. May 2020;134(3):1133-1140.
2013	Nolan G, Hainsworth SV, Rutty GN. Forces required for a knife to penetrate a variety of clothing types. J Forensic Sci. March 2013;58(2):372-379.
2017	Humphrey C, Kumaratilake J, Henneberg M. Characteristics of bone injuries resulting from knife wounds incised with different forces. J Forensic Sci. November 2017;62(6):1445-1451.
1999	O'Callaghan PT. The Biomechanics of Stab Wounds [PhD thesis]. Cardiff University; December 1999.
2022	Hogue M. Effects of Blade Angle on the Force and Work During Sharp Force Trauma of Porcine Ribs [Master's thesis]. Sudbury, ON: Laurentian University; 2022.
2014	Nolan G. Quantification of Forces Involved in Stabbings [PhD thesis]. University of Leicester; August 2014.
2012	Tegtmeyer CE. A Comparative Analysis of Serrated and Non-Serrated Sharp Force Trauma to Bone [Master's thesis]. San Marcos, TX: Texas State University; May 2012.
2012	Ní Annaidh A. The Mechanics of Stabbing: A Combined Experimental and Numerical Study of Sharp Force Injury [PhD thesis]. Dublin, Ireland: University College Dublin; July 2012.