Bone analysis is important in archaeology, forensics, and military science. The primary objective of this project was to examine the degradation of fleshed and defleshed bones using accelerated aging to simulate 1.25 years of burial in soil. Changes in mechanical properties, mass, width, color, and surface texture were documented. Fleshed bones had higher strength and hardness, brighter color, greasier feel, and less surface degradation than defleshed bones. These differences can be valuable for identification of remains and cause of death.

• This report represents the work of one or more WPI undergraduate students submitted to the faculty as evidence of completion of a degree requirement. WPI routinely publishes these reports on its website without editorial or peer review.

Creator

• Connelley, Haley Marie
• DesPlaines, Lena Beth
• Kreek, Emily Katheryn

Publisher

• Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Identifier

• E-project-042710-185412

Advisor

• Shivkumar, Satya

Year

• 2010

Date created

• 2010-04-27

Resource type

• Major Qualifying Project

Major

• Mechanical Engineering

Rights statement

• In Copyright