Biomechanics Of Knife Stab Attacks

At a glance..

Read all about the bio-mechanics of knife stab attacks using high-tech equipment in this comprehensive document. A six–camera Vicon motion analysis system was used to measure velocity, and derive energy and momentum during the approach phase of the attack and a specially developed force–measuring knife was used to measure three–dimensional forces and torque during the impact phase.

The details..

Biomechanics of Knife Stab Attacks is an important work examining the mechanics behind knife stabbing incidents and their implications on body armour design and development. The authors present data collected from a study conducted by twenty volunteers who were asked to perform three different styles of stabbing - short thrust forward, horizontal sweep around the body, and overhand stab - using near maximal effort.

The six-camera Vicon motion analysis system was used to measure velocity as well as derive energy and momentum during approach phase while specially developed force measuring knives were used to measure 3D forces & torque during impact phase.

In addition, individual segment energies & momentums are calculated based on velocities measured along with masses obtained from biomechanical tables associated with each body part involved in the attack (trunk/upper arm/forearm/hand). 95th percentile values for axial force & energy are 1885 N & 69 J respectively.

Finally this book also assesses current test methods' ability to reproduce mechanical parameters measured in human tests; it finds that they can replicate range of energy & force values but not non-axial forces or torques which are significant too.