ASTM E3391-24
(Terminology)Standard Terminology Relating to Gunshot Residue Analysis (GSR)
Standard Terminology Relating to Gunshot Residue Analysis (GSR)
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
3.1 These terms have particular application to gunshot residue analysis. In addition, several sources of definitions were used in the development of this terminology (1-7).3
SCOPE
1.1 This terminology standard is a compilation of terms and corresponding definitions that are used in gunshot residue analysis. Some legal or scientific terms that are generally understood or defined adequately in other readily available sources are included.
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.
1.3 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
General Information
Standards Content (Sample)
This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation: E3391 − 24
Standard Terminology Relating to
1
Gunshot Residue Analysis (GSR)
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E3391; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope accelerating voltage, n—voltage/electrical potential applied to
the filament that accelerates the electrons emitted by the
1.1 This terminology standard is a compilation of terms and
electron gun/filament. Flegler (1)
corresponding definitions that are used in gunshot residue
analysis. Some legal or scientific terms that are generally
beam current, n—current that impinges on the specimen.
understood or defined adequately in other readily available
Flegler (1)
sources are included.
NOTE 1—Also referred to as probe current.
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as
standard. No other units of measurement are included in this
Berdan primer, n—primer/case system, designed by Col.
standard.
Hiram Berdan, having two or more flash holes consisting of
a cup, explosive mixture, and covering foil or paper; the
1.3 This international standard was developed in accor-
anvil is an integral part of the cartridge case head in the
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
bottom of the primer pocket. AFTE Glossary, 6th Ed. (2)
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
boxer primer, n—ignition component consisting of a cup,
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
explosive mixture, anvil, and covering foil or paper disk that
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
together form the completed primer ready for assembly into
the primer pocket of a cartridge case. AFTE Glossary, 6th
2. Referenced Documents
Ed. (2)
2
2.1 ASTM Standards:
E1588 Practice for Gunshot Residue Analysis by Scanning
candidate particles, n—particles classified by the instrument
Electron Microscopy/Energy Dispersive X-Ray Spectrom- software based on detection of appropriate (as specified in
etry
Practice E1588) constituent elements as potential pGSR.
E3309 Guide for Reporting of Forensic Primer Gunshot E3309
Residue (pGSR) Analysis by Scanning Electron
centerfire cartridge, n—any cartridge that has its primer
Microscopy/Energy Dispersive X-Ray Spectrometry
central to the axis in the head of the case. AFTE Glossary,
(SEM/EDS)
6th Ed. (2)
3. Significance and Use
condenser lens aperture, n—metal strip mounted on a holder
3.1 These terms have particular application to gunshot
that is inserted into the column under the condenser lenses:
residue analysis. In addition, several sources of definitions
the strip can have three selectable holes or one fixed hole that
3
were used in the development of this terminology (1-7).
the electron beam passes through the center and stray
electrons are then captured by the surrounding plate. Gold-
4. Terminology
stein (3)
4.1 Definitions:
condenser lens current, n—current in the condenser lens
changes the spot size or diameter of the electron beam.
1
This terminology is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E30 on
Goldstein (3)
Forensic Sciences and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee E30.01 on
Criminalistics.
frictionator, n—provides sharp corners against which the
Current edition approved Jan. 15, 2024. Published January 2024. DOI: 10.1520/
E3391-24.
particles of sensitizer and initiator are forced by the move-
2
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
ment of the primer cup or case rim under the firing pin blow.
contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
Frost (4)
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
the ASTM website.
3
gunpowder, n—a generic term used for propellant powders
The boldface numbers in parentheses refer to a list of references at the end of
this standard. used in firearms. SWGGSR (5)
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E3391 − 24
gunshot residue, GSR, n—residues formed during the dis- primer, n—ignition component of a cartridge. AFTE
charge of a firearm. SWGGSR (5) Glossary, 6th Ed. (2)
initiator, n—primary explosive that will explode or detonate
DISCUSSION—Commonly, a mixture of initiator, sensitizer, oxidant,
when heated or subjected to shock. Meyer (6)
fuel, and frictionator.
DISCUSSION—
...
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