Three Steps towards Metrological Traceability for Ballistics Signature Measurements

Abstract

in collaboration with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) has developed the Standard Reference Material (SRM) bullets and casings. NIST and ATF are proposing to establish a National Ballistics Measurement Traceability and Quality System for ballistics signature measurements and correlations using these materials. In this paper, three key steps towards metrological traceability for ballistics signature measurements are discussed that include: 1) Establishing a reference standard; 2) Establishing an unbroken chain of calibrations; and 3) Evaluating measurement uncertainty.

Topography measurements and applications in ballistics and tool mark identifications

“…In light of the above definition, three key steps for establishing metrological traceability and quality assurance for the topography measurements and imaging correlations of ballistics signatures have been proposed [ 92 ]:…”

Treatment of Experimental Data with Discordant Observations: Issues in Empirical Identification of Distribution

“…Expert knowledge may be called upon to provide what is needed to complement statistical evaluation of experimental data, in the process of drawing a realistic conclusion from less than compulsory evidence, following the logical lines successfully developed for evaluation of measurement uncertainty [3], see also [4], [5]. All that is required is a mechanism allowing smooth blending of information provided by the sample at hand, and the body of specific knowledge accumulated and agreed upon by experts.…”