NCJ Number
188955
Journal
Journal of Forensic Sciences Volume: 46 Issue: 3 Dated: May 2001 Pages: 510-534
Date Published
May 2001
Length
25 pages
Annotation
This is a controlled study of pipe bombs.
Abstract
Fragments from 56 pipe bombs were collected (average recovery 87 percent), counted, weighed, sorted, and photographed. The matrix examined included eight energetic fillers, two initiation systems, three types of pipes, and several degrees of fill. For identical devices, the overall fragmentation pattern was surprisingly reproducible. A particularly useful evaluator was the fragment weight distribution map, which describes explosive power with a single variable -- the slope. This value is independent of device size and percent recovery. The study observes that vertical versus horizontal placement had little effect on full pipes. Further, partially full pipes, if containing a sufficiently powerful propellant, may perform as well as full ones. The study concludes that, even in circumstances where chemical residue cannot be found, sufficient evidence is present in pipe bomb fragments to identify the nature of the energetic filler. The study suggests the need for more tests to clarify the effects of pipe orientation or degree of fill. New tests will include three-field studies and a wider range of powder densities and pipe materials. Figures, tables, references