Abstract

The main focus of this work is to discuss the influence of the projectile s length on the results of a Split Hopkinson Tension Bar SHTB experiment By using the commercial software ABAQUS finite element simulations of high-strain-rate tension experiments are accomplished on Aluminium 7017-T73 alloy specimens when varying the length of the projectile employed The finite element analyses described herein are applied to simulate the effects of the variation of the projectile s length on the measurements obtained in the incident reflected and transmission bars Different strain rates are obtained when varying the projectile s length always provided that its speed remains constant The simulation results show that the projectile s length has a significant effect on the strain obtained in the specimen and also on the subsequent stress-strain curve of the specimen In view of this research it can be concluded that the projectile s length is a factor that can resolutely influence the interrupted dynamic tension experiment results since it has a significant effect on the strain obtained within the specimen The simulations also provide complementary information to the experiments and an in-depth understanding of the specimen s behaviour