Numerical and Experimental Studies of a Conical Striker Application for the Achievement of a True and Nominal Constant Strain Rate in SHPB Tests

The problem of ensuring both nominal and true constant strain rate in the split Hopkinson pressure bar experiment was considered through the application of the conical striker for 316 L steel specimen. The experimentally confirmed results from numerical analyses indicate that the application of a conical striker with the determined apex angle for the given experimental conditions is a good method for achieving a constant value of the strain rate. Moreover, the results of the study showed that the value of the striker apex angle has the greatest influence on the mechanical response of the specimen material. In turn, the impact velocity slightly affects the value of the striker apex angle.