When approached by a customer for a tensile impact test of metal parts we recommended a CEAST 9350 with optional High energy system. We developed a custom fixture with integrated 30kN load cell, dedicated tup for high rate tensile impact tests DAS 64k and VisualIMPACT software.
Samples were manufactured specifically for the vice and were either 130x65mm or 80x40mm in geometry and 0.5mm thick. The CEAST 9350 provides test velocties up to 24m/s and allows the investigation of the tensile properties at high rates.
Sample tests showed failure loads in the region of 20kN at 6m/s. The fixture could also be utilised for testing composite materials and large plastic specimens.
The 9350 is well suited for helping customers determine the performance characteristics of their materials when subjected to an impact event. The information gathered by doing instrumented impact testing can be used to provide the customer with a data baseline whereby they can determine how changes made in the mix of raw materials will perform in real life situations. A broader range of testing could be accomplished with the inclusion of an environmental chamber to study impact characteristics at different temperatures as well as using different fixtures and inserts to simulate other unsupported spans and impact events.