Burke and Rowe 1992
Definition
The primary peer-reviewed study of bullet ricochet behaviour on concrete, asphalt, and vehicle metal surfaces, published in the Journal of the Forensic Science Society, providing the empirical angle-relationship data most frequently cited in reconstruction casework.
- Authors
- Burke and Rowe
- Year
- 1992
- Publication
- Journal of the Forensic Science Society
- Subject
- Bullet ricochet on concrete, asphalt, metal
- Field
- Ballistic trajectory reconstruction
Common questions
Why is the Burke and Rowe 1992 study still cited in current ricochet reconstruction?+
It provides empirical angle-relationship data, how the ricochet departure angle relates to the impact angle, across common surfaces, and later studies have generally supported rather than replaced its core findings.
What limitation do examiners keep in mind when applying the 1992 data to a case?+
The angle relationships were derived from the specific surfaces and bullet types tested, so examiners treat the values as a guide and adjust for surface condition and ammunition differences rather than fixed constants.
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