Obtaining dynamic complete stress-strain curves for rock using the Split Hopkinson Pressure Bar technique

The feasibility of using the Split Hopkinson Pressure Bar (SHPB) technique to obtain complete dynamic stress-strain curves for rock is established in the laboratory. The SHPB test system, in conjunction with a mean strain hyp othesis, can be used not only for obtaining the rock's constitutive curve b efore the peak strength but also after the peak strength - and so it is pos sible to analyze and characterize the post-failure behaviour of rock with t he SHPB method. Some typical complete dynamic curves for marble and granite are given in this paper, together with an interpretative discussion on the shapes of the curves. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.