Bullet Expansion
Definition
An increase in a projectile’s transverse dimensions through deformation during interaction. It differs from fragmentation, which separates material into pieces. Recovered dimensions require a stated measurement convention and do not by themselves establish the original construction, wound diameter or impact conditions.
Deformation changes a projectile’s shape; expansion increases its transverse dimensions; fragmentation divides it into pieces. These processes can occur together or separately. Construction influences the response, but impact conditions, intervening material and projectile orientation also matter.
Related terms
- Bonded Bullet
- A projectile whose core and jacket are joined at their interface through a bonding process. This differs from a mechanical lock. Actual...
- Bullet Fragmentation
- Break-up of a projectile into multiple pieces during interaction. Construction, orientation, impact conditions and the contacted material affect the outcome. Recovered fragments...
- Core-Jacket Separation
- Separation of a projectile’s core and surrounding jacket into distinct components. It can produce multiple recoveries from one projectile, but their positions...
- Expansion Ratio
- The expanded diameter divided by a specified original diameter. For an asymmetric recovered projectile, maximum and minimum dimensions or another stated convention...