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Article
Objective Comparison of Toolmarks from the Cutting Surfaces of Slip-Joint Pliers
AFTE Journal
  • Taylor Grieve, Iowa State University
  • L. Scott Chumbley, Iowa State University
  • Jim Kreiser, Illinois State Police
  • Max Morris, Iowa State University
  • Laura Ekstrand, Iowa State University
  • Song Zhang, Iowa State University
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
4-1-2014
Abstract

Experimental results from a statistical analysis algorithm for objectively comparing toolmarks via data files obtained using optical profilometry data are described. The algorithm employed has successfully been used to compare striated marks produced by screwdrivers. In this study, quasi-striated marks produced by the cutting surfaces of slip-joint pliers were examined. Marks were made by cutting both copper and lead wire. Data files were obtained using an optical profilometer that uses focus variation to determine surface roughness. Early efforts using the comparative algorithm yielded inconclusive results when the comparison parameters used were the same as those employed successfully for screw-driver marks. Further experiments showed that the algorithm could successfully be used to separate known matches from non-matches by changing the comparison parameters. Results are presented from the analysis of the copper wires.

Comments

This article is from AFTE Journal 46 (2014): 176. Posted with permission.

Copyright Owner
AFTE
Language
en
File Format
application/pdf
Citation Information
Taylor Grieve, L. Scott Chumbley, Jim Kreiser, Max Morris, et al.. "Objective Comparison of Toolmarks from the Cutting Surfaces of Slip-Joint Pliers" AFTE Journal Vol. 46 Iss. 2 (2014) p. 176 - 185
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/l_chumbley/26/