SUMMARY
Determination of scientifically grounded criteria that allow us to objectively diagnose damage to clothing caused by firing elastic bullets of “Teren-12P” cartridges, which are in service with Ukrainian law enforcement agencies, is currently an urgent problem in forensic medicine and forensic science.Aim. To determine the ability to use the chemometric method (principal component method) for processing the results of the experimental studies obtained using the X-ray fluorescence spectral analysis when determining the elemental composition of deposits in the area of damage to clothing fabrics obtained as a result of the hit of elastic balls of “Teren-12P” cartridges.Materials and methods. Six common fabrics – fleece-backed faux leather stretch fabric (Pattern A), cotton knitted fabric (Pattern B), fabric-backed polyvinyl chloride (PVC), coated faux leather fabric (Pattern C) , raincoat fabric on a single-layer sintepon backing (sample “D”), raincoat fabric (sample “D”) and camouflage fabric “Greta”, colors “Forest” (sample “E”); ballistic plasticine “Beschussmasse, 6287156” (manufacturer – Carl Weible KG, Germany) were used. The following research methods were applied: X-ray fluorescence spectral analysis (RFSA) method.Results and discussion. Using six common samples of clothing fabrics and ballistic plasticine the experimental shots from a Fort-500A pump-action gun were carried out by bullets of “Teren-12P” cartridges from distances of 0-15 m. Using RFSA the elemental composition of bullets and products of combustion of a powder charge was determined. These bullets were removed from the barrel of the gun after a shot, as well as target fabrics before shots and in areas of damage after shots. The analysis and processing of the qualitative and quantitative composition of chemical elements in the damaged areas was carried out using the chemometric approach – the method of principal components.Conclusions. The main criteria for diagnosing clothing fabrics damage by a bullet from the “Teren-12P” cartridge using RFSA have been determined; they must be used when conducting the appropriate expert studies.