Experimental Impact Mechanics

Many experimental techniques were developed and devised to study the behavior of materials under impact. The chapter introduces the conventional experimental techniques such as long-established tensile/compressive test machine for the measurement of quasi-static material properties under the strain rates ranging from 0.001-0.1 s-1. It also discusses the other popular experimental techniques conducted at medium to high strain rates such as the Izod or Charpy pendulum impact tests, Split Hopkinson pressure bar (SHPB) test, Taylor cylinder impact test and drop impact tests. Izod and Charpy impact tests are used widely in many industries for impact testing of materials used in automobiles, pressure vessels, bridges, etc. Drop impact tests are cheaper and furnish an effective method to quantify the energy absorption capability of a product or a structure under an impact. Drop specimen tests are widely adopted to qualify the handheld consumer electronic products and portable appliances under an accidental impact.