Damage mechanisms from low-velocity penetrating shrapnel in ballistic gelatin

Shrapnel projectiles from low-velocity weapons often cause perforations and thereby result in multiple wounds. As shrapnel penetrates, its kinetic energy dissipates and generates forces that influence the extent of damage. However, quantifying these forces and understanding the mechanics of tissue damage remain challenging. To address this, there is a need to measure time-varying forces that will provide critical insights into the mechanics of damage initiation and progression. In this study, a new experimental methodology was developed using a custom-designed fixture integrated with a low-velocity gas gun to study shrapnel-induced damage in ballistic gelatin. The fixture was equipped with piezoelectric sensors to capture transmitted force (TF), while a high-speed camera recorded the damage morphology. The maximum TF response varied significantly, ranging from 45 to 225 N for chisel-nose shrapnel and 75–295 N for blunt-nose shrapnel, across incident velocities of 25–100 m/s. The damage mechanisms, characterized by the formation of temporary cavities, resulted in cavity sizes three to four times larger than the shrapnel diameter. The maximum energy absorbed by the ballistic gelatin was 14.81 J at 92.10 m/s for chisel-nose and 18.50 J at 98.35 m/s for blunt-nose shrapnel. A finite element (FE) model was developed and validated against experimental results with an error margin of less than 15% in the maximum value of TF. This methodology provides a platform for further studies on soft tissue damage by correlating dynamic force measurements with damage mechanisms. These insights can inform advancements in battlefield injury assessment, medical interventions strategies, and the design of protective materials to mitigate shrapnel injuries. • Developed gas gun setup that measures transmitted force (TF) to study shrapnel-induced damage. • Time-varying TF revealed damage mechanisms, while kinetic energy captured the energy transfer. • Blunt-nose shrapnel caused higher TF, larger cavities, and more energy transfer than chisel-nose. • The maximum temporary cavity size was 3–4 times the shrapnel diameter at speeds up to 100 m/s. • The developed FE model was validated within a 15% error margin against experimental data.