Dynamic analysis of instrumented CHARPY impact tests using specimen deflection measurement and mass-spring models

A new experimental procedure is proposed which allows the determination of parameters of mass-spring models used to analyse the CHARPY impact test. It is based on the measurement of the tup load and the specimen deflection during the impact test. The contact stiffness between the tup and the specimen is derived from the ratio of the specimen deflection over the tup displacement. The model predictions are compared with experimental results obtained from impact tests performed on PMMA specimens. This revised version was published online in August 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.