A direct-tension split Hopkinson bar for high strain-rate testing

A direct-tension split-Hopkinson-bar apparatus is introduced. In this apparatus the specimen is loaded by a tensile wave that is generated by the release of a stored load in a section of the input bar. The system can be used for experiments with test durations of up to 500 μs. The effect of specimen geometry (length to diameter ratio) is investigated. Consistent results are obtained when the ratio is larger than about 1.60. Results from tests with 6061-T651 aluminum are in agreement with published data.