1. What is Angle of Impact?

The angle of impact is the acute angle formed between the direction of a blood drop and the plane of the surface it strikes. It's a crucial measurement in bloodstain pattern analysis for reconstructing crime scenes.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the angle of impact formula:

Where:

• \( \text{width} \) — The shorter axis of the bloodstain (mm)
• \( \text{length} \) — The longer axis of the bloodstain (mm)
• \( \arcsin \) — The inverse sine function
• \( \frac{180}{\pi} \) — Conversion factor from radians to degrees

Explanation: The formula calculates the angle based on the elliptical distortion of the bloodstain, where more circular stains indicate steeper impact angles.

3. Importance of Angle Calculation

Details: Determining the angle of impact helps forensic analysts determine the trajectory of blood droplets, which can reveal the position of victims or assailants during bloodshed events.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Measure the width (short axis) and length (long axis) of the bloodstain in millimeters. The width must be less than or equal to the length for valid results.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's the range of possible angles?
A: Angles range from 0° (grazing impact) to 90° (perpendicular impact). At 90°, the stain is perfectly circular.

Q2: How accurate is this calculation?
A: The calculation is mathematically precise, but real-world accuracy depends on precise measurement of the stain dimensions.

Q3: What affects bloodstain shape besides angle?
A: Surface texture, blood volume, and velocity can also affect stain morphology.

Q4: Can this be used for very small stains?
A: The formula works for all sizes, but measurement accuracy becomes more critical with smaller stains.

Q5: What if width equals length?
A: This indicates a 90° impact angle (perfectly circular stain).