Does a sixth mechanism exist to explain lightning injuries?: investigating a possible new injury mechanism to determine the cause of injuries related to close lightning flashes

Five mechanisms have been described in the literature regarding lightning injury mechanisms. A sixth mechanism is proposed in this article, namely, lightning barotrauma. A simple laboratory experiment was conducted using ordnance gelatin for ballistic studies. Lightning was simulated in a high-volta...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inThe American journal of forensic medicine and pathology Vol. 33; no. 3; p. 222
Main Authors Blumenthal, Ryan, Jandrell, Ian R, West, Nicholas J
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published United States 01.09.2012
Subjects
Barotrauma - etiology
Biophysical Phenomena
Gelatin
High-Energy Shock Waves
Humans
Lightning Injuries - complications
Models, Biological
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Summary:Five mechanisms have been described in the literature regarding lightning injury mechanisms. A sixth mechanism is proposed in this article, namely, lightning barotrauma. A simple laboratory experiment was conducted using ordnance gelatin for ballistic studies. Lightning was simulated in a high-voltage laboratory using an 8/20-microsecond current impulse generator and discharged through ballistic gel. Temporary and permanent cavity formations were confirmed. The cavities formed were directly proportional to the currents used. Findings suggest that a sixth mechanism of lightning injury, namely, barotrauma, should be considered.
ISSN:1533-404X
DOI:10.1097/PAF.0b013e31822d319b