Automated Split Hopkinson Pressure Bar for High-Throughput Dynamic Experiments

The design of novel, impact-resistant materials require extensive datasets to support data-driven design and predictive modeling. While high throughput characterization is feasible at the sample micro and nanoscale, there remains a critical need for an experimental tool capable of facilitating high-throughput measurements at the macroscale. This paper presents the design and development of a fully automated split Hopkinson pressure bar (SHPB) with full-field diagnostics for performing dynamic compression experiments on different materials. The automated SHPB consists of four main components: (1) striker launch and retrieval system, (2) bar repositioning mechanism, (3) automated sample placement system, and (4) diagnostics. Each system integrates electromechanical devices and actuators, enabling fully automated SHPB experiments with minimal human intervention, increasing reproducibility and throughput. A data analysis tool has been developed to automate the post-processing of the data obtained from the setup. The setup also incorporates automated high-speed imaging, enabling full-field strain measurement capabilities. To benchmark the setup, fully automated dynamic compression experiments were conducted on 45 Copper 101 samples, 20 samples made with 1100 aluminum and 20 samples of polycarbonate. Stress-strain curves were extracted from the raw data using the automated data analysis tool and validated against conventional SHPB analysis techniques, ensuring both speed and reliability in high-throughput testing. Full-field strain measurements in experiments show strain values comparable to those obtained with strain gages. This automated SHPB system enables dynamic compression experiments at an unprecedented rate of 60 samples per hour, significantly accelerating data generation for high-strain-rate materials research.