Mechanical Testing Capability
Dynamic Tension and Compression Testing
A dynamic tension and compression testing machine, such as a Kolsky bar (split Hopkinson pressure bar), is used to test the high strain rate material properties of varying materials. The versatile bar is used to impose a dynamic load on a material specimen akin to that which the material will experience in dynamic situations like vehicle crashes or other high-energy events.
The equipment is comprised of a gas launcher, an incident bar, a transmission bar, and a stopping mechanism. The gas launcher that is charged with pressurized gas to accelerate a striker bar at a measured velocity to create an impact incident. Striker bars of various lengths are used to produce a range of loading durations. The resulting stress pulse is detected by a strain gage mounted on the bar. This engineered dynamic servo driven testing system is capable of achieving velocity rates of up to 10^4s^-1 and 10^3s^-1 under compression and tension respectively from room temperature to 600 C.
Servo Hydraulic Machine
Servo-hydraulic testing machines, shown here, have universal application for materials and component testing under pulsating or alternating loads, with periodic or random signals. This equipment delivers a broad array of testing capabilities and quasi-static and dynamic loads are easily achieved. This has a rated dynamic force capacity of 100 kN and provides a maximum vertical test space of 1283 mm.