Perma-Gel :Tried and True

Over the Years, there have been several papers and articles published about Perma-Gel, primarily in the context of its use as a soft tissue simulant for ballistics testing. The research often focuses on comparing its properties and performance to the traditional standard, 10% ordnance gelatin. 

Here's a summary of the key findings and themes from these publications:

1. Comparison to Ordnance Gelatin:

• A central theme in the research is to evaluate how accurately Perma-Gel simulates human soft tissue compared to the long-standing benchmark, 10% ordnance gelatin.

• Studies have shown a high correlation between the results obtained with Perma-Gel and those from ordnance gelatin, especially for high-velocity, expanding bullets.
  

• However, some research indicates that for lower-velocity projectiles, Perma-Gel can show different results, such as greater penetration and less bullet expansion, than what is seen in traditional gelatin.
  

• The viscoelastic properties of Perma-Gel are a key area of study. Some papers note that Perma-Gel has significantly higher stiffness and more limited fidelity in mimicking the non-linear deformation of biological tissue compared to Calibrated ballistic gel.
  

2. Practical Advantages of Perma-Gel:

• Researchers and enthusiasts alike have noted the significant practical benefits of Perma-Gel. These are often highlighted in articles and product descriptions.

• Reusability: A significant advantage is that Perma-Gel can be melted down and reformed multiple times without degradation, making it a cost-effective and sustainable option.
  

• Clarity: Its transparent nature allows for excellent high-speed photography and visual analysis of the bullet's path, and the formation of the temporary and permanent wound cavities.
  

• Room-Temperature Stability: Unlike ordnance gelatin, which must be maintained at a specific temperature (4° C), Perma-Gel is stable at room temperature, which simplifies the testing process and eliminates the risk of bacterial decomposition.
  

3. Specific Research and Case Studies:

• A key paper from Stanford University, "Ballistic Penetration of Perma-Gel," provides a detailed analysis of the material's elastic properties and its behavior when impacted by projectiles. This study, along with others like it, utilizes high-speed video to analyze the large, recoverable elastic deformations that occur.
  

• Other papers have explored the use of Perma-Gel in more complex scenarios, such as creating anatomical models with simulated bones and organs for a more realistic representation of the human body.

• Articles and patents have also been published that discuss the chemical composition and manufacturing processes behind Perma-Gel and similar synthetic simulants.

In summary, while there is a consensus that 10% ordnance gelatin remains the "gold standard" for terminal ballistics research due to its long-proven record and documented biomechanical accuracy, Perma-Gel is widely recognized as a viable, convenient, and reusable alternative that offers significant practical advantages for a variety of applications, from forensic analysis to educational and recreational use.