Citation

Reimann RJ. J. Forensic Sci. 2018; 63(6): 1864-1866.

Affiliation

Physics, Boise State University, 1910 University Drive, Boise, ID, 83725-1570.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2018, American Society for Testing and Materials, Publisher John Wiley and Sons)

DOI

10.1111/1556-4029.13777

PMID

29570777

Abstract

Basic physics places limits on the mechanics involved in shaking a baby. Fundamental definitions and practical limitations are used to compare shaking with car crashes and low-level falls. First-order mathematical considerations applied to a 6-month-old infant determine an angular velocity limit for head rotation around 75 rad/s and maximum angular acceleration less than 1600 rad/s²without impact. By comparison, results from a low-level fall of 0.76 m (30 inches) yield values of 83 rad/s and 13,000 rad/s²in a practical worst-case scenario.

© 2018 American Academy of Forensic Sciences.

Language: en

Keywords

abusive head trauma; acceleration; angular; force; forensic science; low-level fall; physics; shaken baby syndrome; whiplash