7. Testing at High Strain Rates

In this chapter we present methods of material testing at high strain rates. Mechanical behavior of materials at high strain rates differs considerably from that at quasi-static rates. Special testing equipment, methods and experimental arrangements are needed. We will present the following tests: high-speed load frames for low rates, drop weight impact and pendulum impact including the Charpy and Izod tests for intermediate rates, the split-Hopkinson (Kolsky) bar impact for compression, tension and torsion, the Taylor impact and the expanding ring for high rates, and the plate impact for very high rates. In all tests we will provide the testing equipment, experimental procedure and instrumentation, data analysis and discussion. The chapter concludes with the ASTM standards for testing at high strain rates.