Introduction to the Forensic Analysis of Intact Explosives

This introduction to the forensic analysis of intact explosives will give the reader a fundamental understanding of the different classes and types of explosives commonly submitted to laboratories for analysis and identification. The content is augmented with original photographs, flowcharts, and instrument data. Safety is of primary importance when dealing with explosives and safe handling practices and appropriate packaging of samples for submission to the laboratory are described. A typical analysis scheme and the criteria for identification of a range of explosives are explained and illustrated using a real case study. The chapter concludes with a description of how the findings are combined and reported in a clear and concise report.