Bullet Impact Analysis & Trajectory Rod Placement

Ejection Patterns

Too many variables to give an exact location but may be helpful in giving general location

What factors can change the appearance of a bullet defect?

The appearance of a bullet defect depends on the angle of strike, projectile, and type of projectile

Impact Defect

Bullet may be stopped without the penetrating the material (unyielding surface)

Penetration Defect

Bullet penetrates the material & is lodged or disintegrated & the fragments rebound (lead bullet embedded in a wood fence vs striking a cinder block wall)

Perforation

Bullet perforates the material & continues (yielding surface)

Bullet Defect Angles

Critical Angle, Incident Angle, Ricochet Angle, Deflection

Critical angle

Angle under which the projectile will ricochet

Incident Angle

Incoming Angle

Ricochet Angle

Outgoing Angle

Deflection

A deviation in the ricochet path direction after perforating a material (a tree branch, windshield, sheet metal)