Finite-element simulation of solar radiation impact on corpse’s cooling

Nedugov G.V.

doi:https://doi.org/10.17116/sudmed20256802131

Nedugov G.V.

Samara State Medical University

ORCID: 0000-0002-7380-3766

Finite-element simulation of solar radiation impact on corpse’s cooling

Authors:

Nedugov G.V.

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Journal: Forensic Medical Expertise. 2025;68(2): 31‑36

DOI: 10.17116/sudmed20256802131

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To cite this article:

Nedugov GV. Finite-element simulation of solar radiation impact on corpse’s cooling. Forensic Medical Expertise. 2025;68(2):31‑36. (In Russ.)
https://doi.org/10.17116/sudmed20256802131

Подписка 2026 Судебно-медицинская экспертиза (Forensic Medical Expertise)

Использование инфографики авторами научных работ

Abstract:

OBJECTIVE

To find out the regularities of solar radiation impact on the corpse’s temperature field by means of a finite-element simulation of this physical process.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A finite-element simulation of the temperature field of the corpse’s head was performed using the ELCUT 6.5 application.

RESULTS

A two-dimensional finite-element model of finding the postmortem temperature field of the head under conditions of convective heat exchange with and without solar radiation, considering the cyclical dynamics of the external temperature and surface density of the heat flow, as well as the presence of shadow zone on the corpse, has been developed. It has been proven during simulation that solar radiation, depending on the heat flow density and the integral sum of absorbed thermal radiation, is accompanied by a proportional heating of the corpse’s superficial tissues on the insolation side with delayed change in the temperature gradients’ directions and asymmetric temperature field formation. Diffused solar radiation is enough for change of the corpse’s cooling dynamics even if its location is not under direct sunlight.

CONCLUSION

It is recommended to use the finite-element simulation of corpse’s cooling in determining the age of death under conditions of combined postmortem heat exchange with the presence of solar radiation.

Keywords:

solar radiation

cooling of the corpse

finite elements method

mathematical simulation

temperature field

Authors:

Nedugov G.V.

Samara State Medical University

ORCID: 0000-0002-7380-3766

Received:

07.02.2024

Accepted:

22.02.2024

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References:

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