CANDLE GEL AS A REUSABLE ALTERNATIVE TO BALLISTIC GELATIN IN WOUND BALLISTICS RESEARCH

Abstract

This study investigates the dynamics of temporary cavity formation in wound ballistics, comparing traditional Ballistic gelatin with Candle gel as a tissue simulant. While Ballistic Gelatin is labor-intensive, costly, and inconsistent, Candle Gel offers a more practical and cost-effective alternative due to its ability to be remelted and reused, ensuring consistent testing and better material control. The research examines how different calibers of projectiles affect cavity expansion and deformation, using high-speed cameras to measure these dynamics. Results highlight differences in cavity formation between gelatin and Candle Gel, with variations depending on projectile size, shape, and energy transfer. These findings offer valuable insights into the effects of material composition on ballistic trauma, contributing to more accurate tissue simulants for medical, forensic, and defense applications.