Experimental study on the dynamic tensile failure of bamboo

Abstract

Bamboo is a fast-growing biomaterial with excellent mechanical properties, which can be used for different applications, such as bridges and automobiles. This study employed the split Hopkinson tensile bar (SHTB) tests with the strain rate changed from 600 s−1 to 1200 s−1 and quasi-static tensile tests to investigate the dynamic tensile failure of Moso bamboo material systematically. Specimens’ mechanical properties, stress–strain responses, and tensile failure mechanism were discussed. Results showed that the tensile performance of both internode and node specimens improved with increasing strain rate. The dynamic increase factor (DIF) of node specimens was more significant than that of internode specimens. The fibers pulling out, interlocking effect and slippage failure are important failure mechanisms of brittle-ductile transition. The crack deflection, fibers pulling out, interlocking effect, synergistic deformation and slippage can be considered critical toughening mechanisms. This study fills the knowledge gaps between strain rate and dynamic tensile fracture mechanisms of bamboo material and provides a reference for dynamic engineering applications of bamboo.