The suitability of Synbone.sup.® as a tissue analogue in ballistic impacts

• Published in: Journal of materials science 2020-03, Vol.55 (7), p.3022
• Main Authors: Henwood, Bailey J, Appleby-Thomas, Gareth
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Osteoporosis; Polyurethanes
• ISSN: 0022-2461; 1573-4803
• DOI: 10.1007/s10853-019-04231-y

Knowledge of material behaviour under impact is of key importance to understand ballistic impact events on tissue. Bone-with its complex underlying microstructure-is no exception; the microstructural network in bone is not only crucial to its integrity, but also provides a pathway for energy dispersion upon impact (Piekarski in J Appl Phys 41:215-225, 1970 (See CR3)). Synbone.sup.®, a Swiss-made polyurethane bone simulant, has been considered as a potential bone analogue, particularly for cranial structures (Smith et al. in Leg Med 17(5):427-435, 2015 (See CR12); Riva et al. in Forensic Sci Int 294: 150-159, 2019 (See CR15)). This study focused on long bone models and cylinders available from Synbone.sup.®, with the aim of determining their efficacy for use in ballistic testing and recreation. Comparisons were made between porcine bone and multiple Synbone.sup.® models regarding projectile energy loss and damaged surface area using high-speed video and high-resolution photography. CT and reverse ballistics techniques were also used as diagnostic tools. A significant correlation was made between real bone and Synbone.sup.®'s ballistic cylinders in all aspects of this study; however, it was observed that osteoporotic cylinders and anatomical models differ significantly in their reaction to impact. Consequently, the use of Synbone.sup.® as a ballistic target simulant-particularly when legal or practical accuracy is essential-will need to be treated carefully, giving due attention to these limitations.