Using Split Hopkinson Pressure Bars to Perform Large Strain Compression Tests on Neoprene at Intermediate and High Strain Rates

Abstract

The strain rate sensitivity of neoprene is characterized using a modified split Hopkinson pressure bar (SHPB) system at intermediate (50 s-1, 100 s-1) and high (500 s-1, 1000 s-1) strain rates. We used two quartz piezoelectric force transducers that were sandwiched between the specimen and experimental bars respectively to directly measure the weak wave signals. A laser gap gage was employed to monitor the deformation of the sample directly. Three kinds of neoprene rubbers (Shore hardness: SHA60, SHA65, and SHA70) were tested using the modified split Hopkinson pressure bar. Experimental results show that the modified apparatus is effective and reliable for determining the compressive stress-strain responses of neoprene at intermediate and high strain rates.