Kolsky Bar for Dynamic Structural Experiments

Abstract

Kolsky bars rely on stress wave propagation in elastic bars to apply dynamic load on a specimen and to measure the loading and deformation histories in the specimen. This principle of using stress waves to supply dynamic loading and to remotely detect mechanical events can be equally employed to characterize the dynamic response of various structures. In this chapter, we review some of the recent applications of different versions of the Kolsky bars including (1) determination of dynamic fracture behaviors of notched specimens, (2) determination of the biaxial flexural strength of thin brittle sheets, (3) examination of the dynamic response of micro-machined structures, and (4) low-speed penetration.