Determination of the dynamic response of brittle composites by the use of the split Hopkinson pressure bar

In this work a split Hopkinson pressure bar (SHPB) setup was used to test b rittle, polymeric-matrix composite materials. To provide a consistent and a ccurate way of performing data analysis, a scheme including dispersion corr ection, selection of starting points, stress homogeneity and limiting strai n rate has been developed. Special emphasis is placed on determining stress homogeneity numerically and experimentally, which is used as a basis for t he data analysis procedure. The number of frequencies needed for adequate d ispersion correction in the SHPB was found to be a substantial function of the Nyquist frequency of the data acquisition system. Experimental results for a unidirectional graphite/epoxy composite material from quasi-static an d SHPB tests are provided. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserv ed.