Recent Advancements in Split Hopkinson Pressure Bar (SHPB) Technique for Small Strain Measurements

Recent advances in SHPB technique are discussed. A compliance calibration technique together with an exact 1-D Hopkinson bar theory has been developed to accurately measure the rate dependent elastic modulus in the small strain range. A right circular cylinder (RCC) specimen with chamfered edges is found to minimize the stress concentration at the edges and thus provide a more uniform uni-axial stress state in the specimen. A new SHPB experimental methodology using an equal diameter RCC specimen and a small diameter RCC specimen is developed in determining the dynamic stress-strain behavior of materials.