Scientific Evidence for Hydrostatic Shock

Abstract

This paper reviews the scientific support for a ballistic pressure wave radiating outward from a penetrating projectile and causing injury and incapacitation. This phenomenon is known colloquially as "hydrostatic shock." The idea apparently originates with Col. Frank Chamberlin, a World War II trauma surgeon and wound ballistics researcher. The paper reviews claims that hydrostatic shock is a myth and considers supporting evidence through parallels with blast, describing the physics of the pressure wave, evidence for remote cerebral effects, and remote effects in the spine and other internal organs. Finally, the review considers the levels of energy transfer required for the phenomenon to be readily observed.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jan 01, 2010
Accession Number
ADA526059

Entities

People

  • Amy Courtney
  • Michael Courtney

Organizations

  • United States Military Academy

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Biomedical
  • Energy and Power Technologies
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Ballistics
  • Body Fluids
  • Brain
  • Central Nervous System
  • Energy
  • Energy Transfer
  • Health Services
  • Incapacitation
  • Nervous System
  • Projectiles
  • Second World War
  • Shock Waves
  • Spinal Cord
  • Spinal Injuries
  • United States
  • United States Military Academy
  • Wound Ballistics

Readers

  • Combustion Dynamics and Shock Wave Physics.
  • Theoretical Analysis.
  • Trauma or Military Medicine