ASTM E2927
Definition
Standard test method for the determination of trace elements in glass samples using LA-ICP-MS; specifies the element suite, calibration standards (NIST SRM 612, SRM 1831), replication, and data-reduction procedure for forensic glass comparison.
- Technique
- LA-ICP-MS (laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry)
- Primary use
- Forensic glass fragment comparison, particularly in vehicle collision cases
- Key advantage
- Defines standardized element suite, calibration approach, and replication procedures across forensic laboratories
Common questions
What does ASTM E2927 measure in forensic glass analysis?+
ASTM E2927 is a standard test method for measuring trace elements in glass samples using laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS). It defines which elements to measure, how to calibrate instruments, and how to process the data so glass fragments can be compared reliably in forensic cases.
Why is this standard important in hit-and-run investigations?+
Vehicle headlights and windows often leave glass fragments at collision scenes. ASTM E2927 provides the reference standard for matching those fragments to a suspect vehicle through elemental fingerprinting. This makes it one of the most reliable tools for glass comparison in hit-and-run casework.
What calibration standards does ASTM E2927 specify?+
The standard references NIST Standard Reference Materials (SRM 612 and SRM 1831) as calibration benchmarks. These ensure that elemental measurements from different labs stay consistent and comparable.
Related terms
- LA-ICP-MS
- Laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry; a technique that fires a laser pulse at a sample surface, vaporises a tiny amount,...
- ENFSI ENG3-2013
- The ENFSI Glass Expert Working Group guideline for glass comparison casework; specifies the examination sequence, within-source variation requirements, statistical comparison framework, and...
- PVB Interlayer
- Polyvinyl butyral film bonding the two glass layers in a laminated automotive windshield; retains broken glass in place after fracture, preserving the...
- Within-Source Variation
- The natural variation observed among multiple samples collected from a single source location. Used to estimate the probability of the observed difference...
- ASTM E1967
- The ASTM International standard for forensic glass RI measurement; specifies three acceptable methods (automated, semi-automated, manual), minimum precision of ±0.0001 RI units,...
- Bayesian Likelihood Ratio (LR)
- The statistical framework that evaluates glass-fragment evidence by comparing the probability of the observed fragment population assuming contact with the source glass...
- BNS 2023 § 106
- Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita 2023 provision criminalising causing death by negligence; the primary charging provision for fatal hit-and-run cases in India, with enhanced...
- Cold Filament Failure
- Fracture of a tungsten bulb filament below operational temperature; characterised by a clean, brittle transverse fracture with no deformation and no oxide...
- EUCAP
- European Collection of Automotive Paints, maintained at the Bundeskriminalamt (BKA) in Wiesbaden; the European counterpart to PDQ for automotive hit-and-run paint comparison.
- FCIN
- Forensic Collision Investigation Network (UK); provides standardised protocols for fatal and serious-injury collision forensic examination, including paint, glass, tyre and filament examination.
- Float Process
- The Pilkington 1959 manufacturing method in which molten glass is poured onto a bath of molten tin, producing a ribbon with two...
- Glass-Transition Temperature (Tg)
- The temperature below which a glass behaves as a rigid solid rather than a viscous liquid; a fundamental thermal property that varies...
Explained in these topics
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- Vehicle Examination: Paint, Glass, Tyre, Headlight FilamentASTM International standard for determination of match criteria for forensic comparison of glass using LA-ICP-MS elemental analysis; the reference standard for...