Abstract：
Dismemberment and subsequent burning are common methods employed in an attempt to conceal or destroy evidence. While kerf characteristics can be utilised to identify tool(s) used for dismemberment, further research is necessary to assess the effect of burning on these characteristics. In this study, a back (tenon) saw (13 teeth per inch) was used to manually inflict trauma on Ovis aries de-fleshed femur bones (n = 18). Three different cut marks (shallow false start, incomplete cut and complete transection) were made on the mid-shaft of each bone. Subsequently, the bones were burned for 20 minutes in a muffle furnace. Three burn temperatures were assessed: 400 °C, 600 °C and 800 °C. Saw mark characteristics of each cut type were assessed and compared pre- and post-burning. All pre-existing trauma was recognisable post-burning; however, metric and morphological alterations were apparent. An increase in kerf width was observed at 600 °C in false start lesions and 800 °C in incomplete cuts. Breakaway spur thickness decreased post-burning (at 400 °C and 800 °C) but length was not significantly affected. Mean inter-striation distance decreased post burning at all temperature groups. Saw marks were distinguishable from heat-related fractures across all temperature groups. One false start lesion was obliterated at 800 °C. Exit chipping, pull-out striae as well as striation regularity appeared to be more enhanced after heat exposure. These alterations indicate a temperature-dependent impact on these characteristics. Further research is necessary to assess the role of burn duration.
摘要：
肢解和随后的焚烧是试图隐藏或销毁证据的常见方法。虽然切口特征可以用来识别用于肢解的工具，需要进一步的研究来评估燃烧对这些特性的影响。在这项研究中,使用后（tenon）锯（每英寸13齿）手动对去肉的股骨骨造成创伤（n=18）。三个不同的切割标记(浅的假开始，不完全切割和完全横切）在每个骨的中轴上进行。随后，骨头在马弗炉里烧了20分钟.评估了三个燃烧温度：400°C，600°C和800°C评估每种切割类型的锯痕特征，并在燃烧前和燃烧后进行比较。所有先前存在的创伤在烧伤后都是可以识别的；然而，度量和形态学改变是明显的。在错误开始病变中在600°C观察到切口宽度增加，在不完全切口中在800°C观察到切口宽度增加。脱离骨刺厚度在燃烧后（在400°C和800°C下）降低，但长度并未受到显着影响。在所有温度组中，平均条纹间距离在燃烧后降低。在所有温度组中,锯痕与热相关的裂缝是可区分的。在800°C时消除了一个假起始病变。出口碎裂，热暴露后，拔出条纹和条纹规律性似乎更加增强。这些变化表明对这些特性的温度依赖性影响。需要进一步的研究来评估烧伤持续时间的作用。
