Ordnance gelatin for ballistic studies. Detrimental effect of excess heat used in gelatin preparation.

Most users of ordnance gelatin for ballistics studies are apparently unaware of the detrimental effects on this tissue simulant's properties caused by excess heating in reconstitution of the gelatin powder. Material published by the Gelatin Manufacturers Institute of America states that heating gelatin above 40 degrees C can be detrimental to its properties. The manufacturer of type 250 A Ordnance Gelatin does not include directions for preparation with the gelatin powder. Directions that can be obtained by contacting the manufacturer fail to give any recommendations on the amount of heat applied during gelatin preparation and do not mention the detrimental effects of excess heat. These oversights are corrected in the revised set of directions included in this article.