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

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 dispers...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of materials science 2020-03, Vol.55 (7), p.3022-3033
Main Authors: Henwood, Bailey J., Appleby-Thomas, Gareth
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Ballistic impact tests
Ballistics
Biomedical materials
Characterization and Evaluation of Materials
Chemistry and Materials Science
Classical Mechanics
Crystallography and Scattering Methods
Cylinders
Diagnostic software
Diagnostic systems
Energy dissipation
Materials for Life Sciences
Materials Science
Microstructure
Photography
Polymer Sciences
Polyurethane resins
Projectiles
Solid Mechanics
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Summary: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 ). Synbone ® , 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 ; Riva et al. in Forensic Sci Int 294: 150–159, 2019 ). This study focused on long bone models and cylinders available from Synbone ® , with the aim of determining their efficacy for use in ballistic testing and recreation. Comparisons were made between porcine bone and multiple Synbone ® 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 ® ’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 ® 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.
ISSN:0022-2461
1573-4803
DOI:10.1007/s10853-019-04231-y