The Wounding Potential of an Air Gun After Passing Through Clothing


Authors: Martin Ficek, Michaela Mikuličová, Michal Indra, Jaroslav Uher, Petr Zátopek

Abstract: This study presents a comprehensive evaluation of the wounding potential of 4.5 mm air gun projectiles after passing through common civilian clothing. The experiment was conducted in two phases: measurement of velocity loss during textile perforation and measurement of penetration depth in glycerin ballistic soap. Two projectile geometries (pointed and hollow point) and five clothing types were tested. Statistical analysis (Shapiro–Wilk, t-test, ANOVA) confirmed significant effects of clothing type and projectile geometry on velocity loss, penetration depth, and relative wounding potential (RWP). All clothing types allowed penetration depths exceeding 40 mm, and all measured energy densities surpassed the threshold required for human skin perforation. A mathematical model describing projectile–textile interaction was introduced, and measurement uncertainties were quantified using Gauss’s propagation law. The results demonstrate that clothing does not provide meaningful protection against air gun injuries and highlight the substantial wounding potential of low-energy air rifles. The study extends previous experimental work by integrating analytical modeling, statistical evaluation, uncertainty analysis, and comparison with published forensic ballistic literature.

Pages: 23-39

DOI: 10.46300/9104.2026.20.4

International Journal of Mechanics, E-ISSN: 1998-4448, Volume 20, 2026, Art. #4

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