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4.15: Acceptable Tolerances and Elastic Deformation

  • Page ID
    52994
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    Every time friction-ridge skin comes into contact with a hard, fixed surface, it undergoes a distinctive type of deformation called elastic deformation. Elastic deformation occurs when a flexible material returns to its natural shape once the pressure or stress is removed. In the next two figures, you will see I the first figure what appears to be wavy ridges in the distal left portion of the fingerprint. This occurred when pressure and a slight twist were applied during the inking process. The second figure is a pressed fingerprint that was recorded with minimal pressure. You will see that although some of the ridges in the first figure are wavy, the actual ridges remain the same, as do the minutiae within those ridges. They are just a bit wavy, but well within acceptable tolerances. Lateral and deposition pressures may also be noted within a fingerprint that is either recorded using ink or a digital method or developed as a latent print.

    Close-up of a fingerprint showing wavy patterns, with a blue circle highlighting a specific area.
    Figure \(\PageIndex{1}\): Elastic deformation distal left
    Author's collection
    Close-up of a fingerprint with a blue circle highlighting an area, labeled "No distortion."
    Figure \(\PageIndex{2}\): Pressed print without distortion
    Author's collection

    Lateral pressure occurs when there is side-to-side movement while grasping an object or during the recording process. Deposition pressure is the downward force applied in the same manner. Lateral pressure may result in a portion of the fingerprint being either lighter or darker, or smudged, than the rest of the print on one side or the other. Deposition pressure will result in ridges that appear wider than normal or may also be smudged. Both types of pressure affect the quality of the print.

    Close-up of a fingerprint displaying distinctive whorls and ridges on a light background.
    Figure \(\PageIndex{3}\):Developed print
    exhibiting deposition pressure - Author's collection
    Fingerprint image labeled "R. Thumb" displaying distinct whorls and ridges.
    Figure \(\PageIndex{4}\): Rolled impression
    using ink - Author's collection

    Your author recommends the reader press their thumb onto a mirror or glass, and while applying pressure, twist their thumb left and right. Remove the thumb and then lightly press the thumb next to the first thumb print. Use a magnifying glass to examine the resulting prints.

    Now let us take another look at the fingerprints provided by Masseur Bertillon.

    Diagram showing a textured surface with numbered labels and several areas highlighted in blue ovals.
    Figure \(\PageIndex{5}\):Unknown print
    Diagram of a fingerprint with highlighted areas in blue and numbered sections for reference.
    Figure \(\PageIndex{6}\):Exemplar
    or known print

    This page titled 4.15: Acceptable Tolerances and Elastic Deformation is shared under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by David Doglietto.

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