Automated SEM/EDS Analysis of Airbag Residue.

This article identifies some vehicles which contain a type of airbag that creates a residue that can be misidentified as gunshot residue (GSR). The author notes that automated scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive spectroscopy can be used to analyze airbag residue particles. The article describes the types of particles which could be misidentified as being GSR. The source of these particles was determined to be percussion primers used to initiate the chemical reaction for deployment. The low numbers of GSR particles in among the large particle populations of zirconium and/or copper–cobalt particles, which are clearly airbag residue, allow the trained analyst to distinguish the correct source of this residue. Particles containing high aluminum levels, elevated levels of allowable elements in GSR particles, or the presence of elements that are rare in GSR particles stand out as indications that the particles are not GSR in origin. The author stresses that, in a shooting investigation in which a traffic accident has also occurred, the collection of the airbags is essential. This article is designed to serve as a guide to analysts who perform particle analysis in forensic investigations.

• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/issn/00221198
• Authors:
  • Berk, Robert
• Publication Date: 2009-1

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Print
• Features: Figures; References; Tables;
• Pagination: pp 69-76
• Serial:
  • Journal of Forensic Sciences
  • Volume: 54
  • Issue Number: 1
  • Publisher: Blackwell Publishing
  • ISSN: 0022-1198
  • EISSN: 1556-4029
  • Serial URL: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/10.1111/(ISSN)1556-4029

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Air bags; Electron microscopy; Forensic medicine; Metals; Particles; Spectroscopy
• Uncontrolled Terms: Gunshot residue
• Subject Areas: Highways; Safety and Human Factors; Vehicles and Equipment; I80: Accident Studies; I91: Vehicle Design and Safety;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01128505
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: May 18 2009 8:37AM