Falling Weight Impact Testing Principles

Abstract

The falling weight impact test (or dart drop test) is one of the methods used to assess the impact properties of polymers (see Fast Fracture in Polymers and Impact and Rapid Crack Propagation Measurement Techniques). The specimen used for the test is commonly a flat plate, either specially moulded or cut from a larger component. It is supported at its edges and impacted centrally by a vertically falling dart. Impact performance of polymeric components is concerned with absorbing energy in the system when the component is struck, either through deformation or damage development. Hence initially it was only the energy required to break the specimen in a falling weight impact test that was recorded to characterise the impact behaviour of the material.