Date of Award
5-1-2022
Language
English
Document Type
Master's Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
College/School/Department
Department of Chemistry
Content Description
1 online resource (iv, 15 pages) : illustrations (some color)
Dissertation/Thesis Chair
Igor Lednev
Committee Members
Paul Toscano, Shelby Khandasammy
Keywords
Ballistics, Forensics Chemistry, Hierarchial Modelling, Raman Spectroscopy, Smokeless Powders, Spectroscopy, Gunshot residues, Powders, Raman spectroscopy, Chemistry, Forensic
Subject Categories
Chemistry
Abstract
With the rise of gun-based crime and the advent of lead-free ammunition reducing the effectiveness of previously used methods, the analysis of smokeless powders to better understand organic gunshot residues is now more important than ever. One method that has shown potential is Raman spectroscopy, a relatively quick, nondestructive, and non-contact analysis method. To investigate whether Raman spectroscopy could be used to characterize individual powders, samples of smokeless powders from three manufacturers, Remington, Federal, and Winchester, each with two 9mm caliber and two .38 caliber ammo types, were dissolved, and their Raman spectra were collected. A hierarchical modelling system was developed, using SVM-DA for manufacturer differentiation and then PLS-DA with varying LVs for caliber differentiation within the manufacturer classes, and the assignment of major peaks was made. This study demonstrated proof-of-concept for how to best proceed with building differentiation models when dealing with OGSR and smokeless powder evidence in the future.
Recommended Citation
Bartlett, Nathan Russell, "Hierarchical modelling of raman spectroscopic data demonstrates the potential for manufacturer and caliber differentiation of smokeless powders" (2022). Legacy Theses & Dissertations (2009 - 2024). 2859.
https://scholarsarchive.library.albany.edu/legacy-etd/2859