Mechanical Testing Capability

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.