SPLIT HOPKINSON PRESSURE BAR TECHNIQUE FOR DYNAMIC CALIBRATION OF FORCE TRANSDUCERS

The split Hopkinson pressure bar (SHPB)- technique was developed for dynamic testing of materials but can be extended to other fields. Recent research results show that this is a promising technique for dynamic calibration of force transducers. In the modern SHPB- technique incident, reflected and transmitted pulses are measured with strain gauges mounted on the bars. This paper describes a mathematical model of a principle SHPB- system. The model is based on one-dimensional wave propagation theory. The model has been used to simulate the calibration of a force transducer up to 40 kN with a loading pulse having a duration of 500 µs. With this technique it is possible to combine high forces with short impulses. The technique also allows for measurement of transducer deformation making it possible to study the dynamic characteristics of the transducer.