UNI-MB - logo
UMNIK - logo
 
E-resources
Peer reviewed Open access
  • Slip and tilt: modeling fal...
    Muggenthaler, H.; Hubig, M.; Meierhofer, A.; Mall, G.

    International journal of legal medicine, 01/2021, Volume: 135, Issue: 1
    Journal Article

    Falls over railings are frequent case scenarios forensic experts are confronted with. An important issue is the differentiation of accidental and non-accidental falling scenarios. From a biomechanical point of view, this is a challenging task and should be addressed in a multifactorial approach. This work presents a simplified mechanical model in terms of a cranked rod that can be used in cases without relevant dynamic components in terms of pushing or jumping. If the anti-slip and the anti-tilt condition are violated, the possibility for a person to get over a railing should be assumed and investigated in more detail. Because our approach also involves uncertainties, the formulae should be understood to be part of a multifactorial approach. Numerical simulation, experimental reconstruction, injury pattern, and trace analysis can yield additional substantial connecting facts.