Ballistic Gel

Ballistic gel has revolutionised the field of forensic science and criminal investigations. Its unique properties allow it to accurately simulate the behaviour of human tissue when subjected to the impact of a bullet. This has become an invaluable tool for law enforcement agencies, as it provides crucial insights into the effects of different types of ammunition on the human body.

When a bullet is fired into a block of ballistic gel, it mimics the resistance and density of human tissue, allowing experts to analyse the wound channel, bullet fragmentation, and penetration depth. This information is vital in determining the type of weapon used, the distance from which the shot was fired, and even the angle of impact. Such details can be crucial in reconstructing crime scenes and identifying potential suspects.

Moreover, the medical field has also greatly benefited from the use of ballistic gel. Surgeons and medical researchers utilise this gelatinous substance to simulate human tissue during the development and testing of new medical procedures and devices. By replicating the behaviour of human flesh, they can assess the effectiveness and safety of surgical techniques, implants, and even protective gear.

The acceptance of ballistic gel as evidence in courts worldwide is a testament to its reliability and accuracy. Its ability to replicate the human body's response to ballistic trauma has been extensively validated and proven. This has not only strengthened the credibility of forensic investigations but has also provided a standardised method for evaluating the lethality of firearms and ammunition.

In addition to its forensic and medical applications, ballistic gel finds use in various industries. The automotive sector, for instance, employs it to test the safety of vehicle components during collisions. By simulating human tissue, engineers can assess the potential injuries that occupants may sustain in different crash scenarios, leading to the development of safer vehicles.

The versatility and reliability of ballistic gel have made it an indispensable tool for a wide range of applications. Its ability to accurately replicate human tissue has revolutionised the way we investigate crimes, develop medical procedures, and ensure the safety of various products. As technology advances, it is likely that this remarkable gelatine will continue to play a vital role in enhancing our understanding of terminal ballistics and human anatomy.

QUICK GUIDE

Making Your Gel:

1) Measure out 10% of gel powder by weight and 90% of cold water by weight or volume. Add the water to the gel powder and mix gently to combine the ingredients.

2) Place the mixture in the refrigerator and allow it to "bloom" for approximately 2 hours. This blooming process helps the gelatinous mixture set properly.

3) Heat the bloomed mixture to a temperature of 39°C (102°F). Stir the mixture slowly, ensuring that it melts throughout. If you don't have a thermometer, you can gauge the readiness by observing the mixture's consistency. It should resemble a syrup-like texture without any lumps.

4) Carefully pour the melted mixture into your desired mould, ensuring that there are no large bubbles trapped within. Place the mould in the refrigerator and allow it to set for 24 hours.

5) After the gel has solidified, gently remove it from the mould. It is now ready to be used for your desired applications, such as ballistic testing or medical simulations.

By following these steps, you can create a gel block that mimics human tissue and provides an accurate analogue for various purposes. Remember to handle the gel with care to maintain its integrity and ensure reliable results in your experiments or analyses.

Using Your Gel:

1)  Making sure your gel is at a suitable temperature, place the gel on a flat surface.

2)  If required and if using large calibre firearms, tie down the gel with string or cord.

3)  At a suitable distance, shoot your gel.

Note: Please follow all standard safety procedures when using firearms.

MIXTURES/DENSITIES

10% (Standard)

The standard mixture is the benchmark reference for forensic testing around the world. Used for when a repeatable and calibrated human analogue is required and can be used for all types of projectiles or penetrating objects. This is made using 10% gel powder by weight and 90% water by weight (or volume). See below for an example mixture chart:

Storage: When storing your gel powder, keep it dry, sealed and out of direct sunlight. Gel powder can last up to a year. After you have cast your gel, keep it refrigerated until use. Cast gel will last 3 days unless treated with our preservative called “Extender”. For more information on this preservative, see the “Extender” section below.

Calibration: Once you have cast your gel, for it to be calibrated to international standards it will need to be kept at particular temperatures. For Standard 10% gel this is 3C, for NATO 20% gel this is 14C. Generally for Standard 10% gel this would require refrigeration up to 30 minutes for before use. For non-professional use, these values are guidelines.

Understanding your results: The analysis of ballistic gel falls under two main categories, penetration analysis, fracture analysis. Penetration analysis looks at the distance a projectile has penetrated into the gel and fracture analysis looks at the areas of broken (fractured) gel within a block to find out how much energy was imparted into the block. An example of what the wound profiles can be like are below:

Extender: If you opt to use our preservative, known as Extender, in your gel mixture, it will help prevent the breakdown of the gel and inhibit the growth of mold, even if it is not continually refrigerated or stored for longer periods of time. However, it is still important to take proper storage precautions to maintain the quality and longevity of the gel block.

If you choose not to refrigerate the gel block, it is recommended to keep it wrapped up tightly in an airtight manner and store it in a cool place. This will help protect the gel from exposure to air and potential contaminants.

On the other hand, if you decide to refrigerate the gel block, it will have an extended shelf life of up to 6 weeks. Refrigeration helps maintain the stability and integrity of the gel, reducing the risk of spoilage or degradation.

By following these storage guidelines and utilising the preservative, you can ensure that your gel block remains in optimal condition for an extended period, allowing for reliable and consistent results in your forensic testing or other applications.

Please note that it is always important to check the gel block for any signs of spoilage or degradation before use, regardless of the storage method employed.

Re-usability: Your gel can be used more than once when using Extender. For more information on this, check out our Extender product or contact our team.

Safety information: This product is natural 250-260 bloom gelatine, derived from pig skin and poses no known health risks. Although natural gelatine is edible, we request that you do not eat this product. If this product is eaten, no action is required. If this product is inhaled (powder form only) give the casualty water and seek medical assistance. If this product is on the skin, wash with warm soapy water. If this product gets into eyes, wash the casualty’s eyes with water and seek medical assistance if irritation continues.