Analysis of modified split Hopkinson pressure bar dynamic fracture test using an inertia model

A split Hopkinson pressure bar (two-bar set-up) has been modified to perform dynamic three-point bend tests to measure dynamic fracture toughness, and to understand the influences of various experimental parameters, as well as inertial effects, on the dynamic material response. Modeling and analysis of the dynamic three-point bend test, as loaded by a modified split Hopkinson pressure bar, is conducted. The effects of support motion, crack propagation and plastic contact stiffness on total sample deflection are investigated. The effects of crack propagation and plastic contact stiffness on the contribution of support motion to the total sample deflection are also investigated theoretically and experimentally in this paper. Further, the effects of crack propagation and plastic contact stiffness on impactor and sample load are also addressed.