Experimental study on pulse shaping techniques of large diameter SHPB apparatus for concrete

ABSTRACT The constant strain rate loading and dynamic stress equilibrium are prerequisites for ensuring the experimental data of the Split Hopkinson Pressure Bar (SHPB). In order to achieve this requirement, a proper pulse shaper dimensions were used in the experiment. For this purpose, the pulse shaper diameter, thickness and strength and the strike bar length and its velocity on the incident pulse are studied by ∅80mm SHPB apparatus. Then, the parameters affecting the two key inflection points and three loading areas of the incident pulse are discussed. In addition, the improved methods for two typical non-constant strain rate waveforms for the concrete experiments are obtained based on the regular pulse shaping. Moreover, SHPB experiments are conducted for concrete by employing different pulse shaper dimensions. The results show that more valid data can be obtained by employing the pulse shaper with large thickness when the strain rate is non-constant during the experiment. The conclusions and method provide guidance for selecting pulse shaper for concrete SHPB experiments.