Tensile testing of materials at high rates of strain

A tension version of the split Hopkinson bar or Kolsky apparatus is developed for conducting tests in tension at high rates of strain up to 10³ s^?1. A number of aluminum, titanium, and steel alloys tested in tension show increasing degrees of rate sensitivity above 10 to 10² s^?1. Tests on 6061-T651 and 7075-T6 aluminum show measurable strain-rate sensitivity in tension at the highest strain rates, although similar tests in compression in the literature show essentially no strain-rate sensitivity. Details of the apparatus and instrumentation and guidelines for its use are presented.