High-Rate Testing

High-rate tensile test using non-contacting optical extensometer.

The Structures and Materials Evaluation group evaluates the durability of materials and manufactured components. In order to determine material and component response to high-speed loading, we possess a unique capability to:

• Perform tensile or compressive loading of materials or components at velocities up to 300 in/sec with closed loop control using uniquely equipped hydraulic test machines and controllers.
• Perform monotonic tests at velocities up to 1,000 in/sec (25 m/s or 56 mph).
• Use a non-contacting optical extensometer to determine the strain to failure of materials at very high strain rates.
• Simulate tensile or compressive impact loading to imitate crash test conditions.
• Use high speed digital data acquisition systems (5MS/s sampling rate), with 16 bit resolution to capture and record data.
• Analyze and explain complicated test results.
• Design fixtures to have minimal impact on test results.

We have performed extensive high strain rate testing of interior polymers and foams for the automobile industry to support analytical impact simulation and modeling. We have used this capability to perform three-point bend testing of aircraft canopy and composite laminate coupons at high rates. We have also tested metallic alloys at high strain rates, at both low and elevated temperatures.

Most of this work is carried out in the Structural Test Laboratory, and is supported by other facilities in the Research Institute such as the Metallography Lab, the Surface Analysis Lab, Microanalytical Lab, the Impact Physics Lab, the Composites Lab, and the Electronics Lab.